Ghanaian Man Sentenced to 63 Months in US for $2 Million International Wire Fraud

A Ghanaian national, Wigbert Bandie, has been sentenced to 63 months in federal prison in Tennessee, USA, for his involvement in a large-scale international wire fraud scheme that defrauded victims of approximately $2 million. U.S. District Judge Thomas A. Varlan imposed the sentence in the Eastern District of Tennessee, where he also ordered Bandie to pay $2.18 million in restitution to 11 victims. Additionally, after serving his prison term, Bandie will be required to undergo three years of supervised release.

Bandie had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud under U.S. law, specifically violating 18 U.S.C. §§ 1349 and 1343. Court records reveal that Bandie was part of an elaborate criminal network that targeted elderly victims across the United States, using an online romance scam to exploit vulnerable individuals. The fraudsters, including Bandie, created fake identities on social media platforms, dating websites, and other online spaces to form relationships with unsuspecting victims, ultimately convincing them to part with their money.

The scam was highly sophisticated, with Bandie and his accomplices preying on the emotions and trust of the victims. By cultivating fake romantic relationships, they manipulated the victims into sending large sums of money under false pretenses, claiming that the money was needed for emergency situations or fake investment opportunities. Over time, the scammers were able to convince victims to send increasingly larger amounts, leading some to lose hundreds of thousands of dollars. One particular victim in Tennessee was defrauded of more than $280,000 over the course of several months.

To complicate the tracking of the stolen funds, the scam also involved “money mules”—individuals who were recruited to help move the illicitly obtained money to overseas bank accounts, either through direct transfers or via mail. These tactics made it far more difficult for investigators to trace the stolen funds and identify the individuals responsible for the fraud.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) led the investigation into the scheme, with Special Agent Matthew R. Short taking the lead in tracking down the perpetrators. U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III and FBI Special Agent in Charge Joe Carrico both praised the sentencing, emphasizing the government’s determination to combat financial fraud, particularly schemes that target the elderly and vulnerable members of society. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne H. Sullivan, who successfully secured the conviction and sentence for Bandie.

Romance scams, particularly those targeting the elderly, have become an increasingly common and devastating form of online fraud in recent years. Officials have noted that these scams have caused millions of dollars in losses each year, highlighting the growing threat posed by fraudsters who use the anonymity of the internet to exploit individuals. In many cases, victims of romance scams are manipulated into parting with their savings, leaving them financially devastated.

Law enforcement agencies are urging the public to exercise caution when engaging in online relationships, especially when requests for money are involved. They recommend that individuals be especially wary of people they meet online who ask for financial assistance, as these requests are often part of an elaborate scam. It is also important for individuals to report suspicious activity to the authorities to help prevent further victimization.

The sentencing of Wigbert Bandie serves as a clear message that those who exploit others for financial gain, particularly in schemes that prey on the trust of vulnerable individuals, will face serious legal consequences. With the increasing prevalence of online fraud, this case underscores the importance of continued vigilance and efforts to protect individuals from financial exploitation. As Bandie begins his prison sentence, the authorities remain committed to tackling financial fraud and ensuring that those responsible for such crimes are held accountable.