A federal jury in Georgia has convicted Babajide Adesayo, 41, on 18 counts related to a large-scale romance fraud that targeted elderly American women, resulting in losses exceeding $2.7 million (approximately KSh 349 million).

Adesayo was found guilty of two conspiracy charges and sixteen counts of transactional money laundering after an eight-day trial. Prosecutors detailed how the scheme operated between April 2020 and September 2021, where fraudsters built trust with victims by posing as romantic interests or business partners online.

Modus Operandi of the Fraud

  • Victims were persuaded to send large sums of money under false pretenses, such as urgent medical needs or business expenses.
  • Funds were routed through accounts managed by co-defendant Efemena Igbe, then quickly transferred to Adesayo.
  • Transactions were disguised as vehicle purchases from Adesayo's automotive business to conceal illicit activity.
  • Money was subsequently moved to overseas accounts in China, Hong Kong, Nigeria, and other countries, complicating recovery efforts.

Continued Criminal Activity Post-Arrest

Despite being arrested and released on bond in June 2024, Adesayo persisted in laundering stolen funds. Authorities discovered he continued transferring money via his business accounts and intermediaries, prompting revocation of his bond. He has been in federal custody since March 2026.

U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg described Adesayo as "a prolific money launderer" who operated even after indictment and arrest. FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Marlo Graham emphasized the FBI's commitment to protecting vulnerable victims from such fraud.

Upcoming Sentencing and Investigation

Adesayo is scheduled for sentencing on November 20, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Mark H. Cohen. He faces up to 20 years imprisonment on conspiracy counts, plus additional terms for money laundering and offenses committed while on release.

The investigation involved multiple agencies including the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Secret Service, and various local police departments. The U.S. Attorney's Office for Northern District of Georgia is part of the Department of Justice's Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force, targeting international schemes exploiting senior citizens.