A 24-year-old Nigerian individual, Mercy Ojedeji, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and the use of forged immigration documents in the United States. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Missouri confirmed that Ojedeji made this plea in front of a federal court in St. Louis. On Wednesday, Ojedeji acknowledged obtaining a U.S. student visa through falsified documents, such as fake academic qualifications, reference letters, a counterfeit résumé, and a phony certificate of English proficiency. These fraudulent documents allowed him to enroll in the PhD chemistry program at the University of Missouri for the Fall 2023 semester. With the fraudulent visa, he was able to acquire a Social Security number, a Missouri state driver’s license, establish a bank account, and find housing. He also received more than $49,000 in university benefits, including a tuition waiver and monthly stipend. However, his lack of attendance in classes and failure to engage in academic activities resulted in his dismissal from the program in January 2024, which also led to the cancellation of his visa. Nonetheless, Ojedeji continued to use the revoked visa to obtain a state-issued driver’s license in February 2024. Authorities were notified after the U.S. Postal Inspection Service received reports linked to a romance scam. Several victims reportedly sent packages containing money and gift cards to the residence of Ojedeji’s romantic partner. Investigators traced 35 packages sent between December 19, 2023, and January 4, 2024, to IP addresses based in Nigeria. A court-authorized search of the residence revealed a total of 193 packages delivered via various courier services. Seventeen of these packages held a cumulative total of $94,150 in cash and gift cards. Prosecutors believe the potential financial loss from the scam could exceed $1 million. While Ojedeji confessed to visa and wire fraud, he refuted being involved in the romance scam. His sentencing is scheduled for July 10. The wire fraud charge carries a possible prison sentence of 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000, while the immigration fraud charge could lead to an additional 10 years and a similar fine. The final sentencing will be decided by the court.
By cast news reports..
