A Nigerian national, Charles Uchenna Nwadavid, has been indicted in the United States for his alleged involvement in a romance scam that defrauded six victims of over $2.5 million. The scam, which spanned several years, involved Nwadavid manipulating victims into sending large sums of money, which he then funneled into cryptocurrency accounts under his control.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced the charges on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, shedding light on a complex scheme that tricked unsuspecting individuals into sending funds under false pretenses. Nwadavid, 34, a resident of Abuja, Nigeria, was arrested on April 7, 2025, upon arriving at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport from the United Kingdom. He faces charges of mail fraud and money laundering and is currently being held in federal detention.
According to the Department of Justice’s statement, Nwadavid used online dating platforms and social media to perpetrate a so-called “romance scam.” These types of scams typically involve criminals creating fake online profiles to initiate seemingly romantic relationships with their victims. Once trust is built, the perpetrators fabricate urgent stories, such as needing funds for a fake hospitalization or to secure a multi-million-dollar inheritance, to convince the victims to send money.
Between 2016 and 2019, Nwadavid allegedly ran several romance scams, tricking victims into wiring money abroad. The indictment reveals that Nwadavid used a Massachusetts woman, referred to as Victim 1, to receive funds from five other victims across the United States. Nwadavid then reportedly manipulated Victim 1 into passing these funds, as well as her own, to him through cryptocurrency transactions.
The funds were transferred via an online platform called LocalBitcoins, a peer-to-peer cryptocurrency exchange. By using Victim 1’s accounts to move the money, Nwadavid tried to conceal his involvement in the scheme. This tactic allowed him to launder the funds while evading direct detection.
The U.S. federal charges against Nwadavid are serious, carrying significant penalties if convicted. The mail fraud charge, which pertains to the scam itself, carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, along with up to three years of supervised release. Nwadavid could also face a fine of up to $250,000 or double the amount of money he stole from victims, along with potential restitution and forfeiture of assets.
The money laundering charges are equally severe, with a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $500,000 or twice the value of the laundered property. If convicted, Nwadavid would also be subject to deportation after serving any sentence imposed.
Despite the serious nature of the charges, the Department of Justice has emphasized that these are allegations at this stage, and Nwadavid is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Romance scams, like the one allegedly orchestrated by Nwadavid, have become a growing concern worldwide. These types of frauds are particularly insidious because they exploit the emotions and vulnerabilities of the victims, many of whom believe they are in genuine relationships. According to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Americans lose millions of dollars each year to romance scams, making them one of the most common and financially devastating forms of online fraud.
In many cases, scammers build long-term relationships with their victims, gradually convincing them to send larger and larger amounts of money over time. The perpetrators often create elaborate backstories to explain why they need financial assistance, ranging from emergencies to fake business deals.
Once the money is sent, the scammer typically disappears, leaving the victim heartbroken and financially ruined. In this particular case, Nwadavid is accused of orchestrating such a scheme, using both online platforms and cryptocurrency to facilitate the illegal transfers and conceal his actions.
Cryptocurrency has become an increasingly popular tool for criminals involved in financial crimes, including money laundering. The anonymity and ease of international transactions offered by digital currencies make them an attractive option for individuals trying to hide illicit funds.
In Nwadavid’s case, cryptocurrency transactions were allegedly used to obscure the movement of money obtained from his victims. By moving the funds through accounts he controlled on platforms like LocalBitcoins, Nwadavid could bypass traditional banking systems and avoid detection by financial institutions and law enforcement agencies.
While cryptocurrencies have legitimate uses, their association with criminal activities has raised concerns among regulators around the world. As a result, authorities are tightening regulations to ensure that digital currencies are not used to facilitate illegal activities.
Nwadavid’s arrest in the United States was made possible by international cooperation between law enforcement agencies. After he was indicted in January 2024 by a federal grand jury in Boston, authorities tracked his movements and eventually apprehended him in Texas.
Nwadavid was arrested as he disembarked from a flight from the United Kingdom to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport on April 7, 2025. He appeared in federal court in Fort Worth on April 8, 2025, and was detained pending further proceedings. His case will be transferred to federal court in Boston, where he will face trial.
This arrest highlights the growing trend of international law enforcement collaboration in tackling global financial crimes. As criminals increasingly operate across borders, authorities are working together to bring perpetrators to justice, no matter where they are located.
Nwadavid’s case is now in the hands of the U.S. legal system, and he faces a lengthy legal process. His defense will have the opportunity to challenge the evidence and argue his innocence, but the charges against him suggest that the case is strong.
If convicted, Nwadavid could face years in prison and significant financial penalties. His arrest serves as a warning to others involved in similar scams and highlights the importance of vigilance when engaging in online relationships. It also underscores the need for more robust international cooperation in addressing online fraud and money laundering.
