Two Scammers Jailed for Online Romance Fraud Netting Over £674,000
Detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command have cracked down on an international romance fraud ring. Two men from Newham were handed jail sentences after cheating victims in the UK, USA and Switzerland out of more than £674,000.
The Conmen Behind the Scam
James Olagbaiye, 47, of Barking Road, Newham, was sentenced to four years and four months in prison at Southwark Crown Court on 14 October. His partner in crime, Adesola Adebayo, 38, also of Barking Road, received four years and six months on 7 October.
Both men pleaded guilty in March to a string of offences including conspiracy to launder money from dating scams, fraud by false representation, and conspiracy to commit fraud linked to Covid-19 Bounce Back loans.
How the Scam Worked
- The gang posed as a fake British doctor and biologist to lure victims.
- One victim, a woman in her sixties from Switzerland, was conned out of roughly £612,000.
- Scammers sent fake photos including a British passport featuring an older gentleman.
- They claimed to produce ventilators for the NHS and asked victims for “loans” to fund the project.
- The money was funnelled through UK and US bank accounts controlled by the gang’s money mules.
- The fake doctor even pretended to have been arrested overseas, demanding more cash for bail.
The victim only discovered the truth when Met detectives contacted her following arrests of the fraudsters.
Police Praise Victims, Warn Online Romantics
Detective Constable Chris Collins from the Met’s Economic Crime Unit said:
“These men have spun a web of lies to their victims and abused their honest intentions in the most awful way. I would ask anyone in an online relationship to think carefully before meeting demands for money no matter how heartfelt and convincing their story is.”
The men were arrested in October 2020 with phones and bank statements seized, revealing more victims. Evidence showed Adebayo tried to claim £98,000 in Covid Bounce Back loans using fake documents but failed.
A confiscation investigation will seek to recover assets and return some funds to victims.
Spot a Scam? Here’s What to Do
If you suspect fraud or someone trying to access your pension, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. Stay alert and don’t send money to online contacts without checking their legitimacy.
More info here: Action Fraud – Investment Fraud
