Edwin Agbi, a 29-year-old Indianapolis resident, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for orchestrating a sophisticated international romance scam targeting senior citizens. Convicted on March 2, 2022, Agbi faced charges including mail fraud, use of a fictitious identity, conspiracy to commit mail fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
The Scam Operation and Modus Operandi
Creation of Fake Online Personas
In 2018, Agbi collaborated with an international group of scammers to create false profiles on OurTime, an online dating platform for adults over 50. These profiles were used to build seemingly genuine relationships with elderly victims, deliberately exploiting their emotional vulnerability.
Financial Exploitation Tactics
The victims were misled into believing the romantic narratives and were ultimately asked to send money for fabricated reasons such as travel expenses and taxes. Victims mailed cash packages—totaling at least $75,000—to Agbi’s residence in Indianapolis.
Use of Alias and Money Laundering
Agbi received the money under the alias “Kareem Sunday,” keeping a portion for himself and redirecting the remainder into foreign bank accounts controlled by his co-conspirators. One intercepted package contained $20,000 in cash, evidencing the scope of the fraud.
Learn the 7 warning signs that would have flagged this in Wise to the Con
Legal Proceedings and Sentence
- Trial & Conviction: Agbi found guilty after a three-day federal jury trial.
- Sentencing: Judge James R. Sweeney II imposed 57 months imprisonment.
- Restitution: Ordered to pay $95,500 to the victims.
- Post-Release Supervision: Three years of supervision by the U.S. Probation Office.
Investigation and Enforcement Agencies
The case was investigated jointly by the U.S. Secret Service and the United States Postal Inspection Service. U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers and other officials announced the sentencing, highlighting the Department of Justice’s commitment to combating elder financial abuse.
Broader Context: The Elder Justice Initiative
This prosecution is part of the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative, which focuses on:
- Preventing elder abuse and neglect.
- Investigating financial fraud targeting older adults.
- Coordinating law enforcement efforts to protect seniors nationwide.
Key Takeaways
- Sophisticated scams exploit emotional and financial vulnerabilities of seniors.
- Use of online dating platforms poses unique risks for elder fraud.
- Cooperation among federal agencies is crucial for detecting and prosecuting these crimes.
- Significant restitution and sentencing serve to deter similar schemes.
Related Cases in the Southern District of Indiana
- Westfield woman pleaded guilty for defrauding elderly victim of over $500,000 (July 2026).
- Bookkeeper sentenced for stealing $79,000 from incapacitated seniors (April 2026).
- Tax preparers sentenced for multi-million dollar tax fraud (April 2026).
This case underscores the ongoing challenge of protecting senior citizens from evolving financial scams, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and robust law enforcement collaboration.