A Nigerian national who unlawfully resided in Houston has been sentenced to nearly two decades in federal prison for his role in a $4 million romance scam and business email compromise conspiracy, U.S. authorities have announced.
Leslie Chinedu Mba, 40, was handed a 228-month prison sentence by U.S. District Judge David Hittner after pleading guilty in December 2025 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to make false statements in immigration documents.
According to U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei, Mba and his accomplices orchestrated a multi-year fraud operation that preyed on vulnerable individuals and small businesses, defrauding victims of more than $4 million.
How the Scheme Worked
Between April 2018 and December 2023, Mba and his co-conspirators—operating both within and outside the United States—carried out romance scams and business email compromise (BEC) attacks.
The schemes began overseas, where hackers gained unauthorized access to business email accounts and redirected legitimate payments to fraudulent bank accounts controlled by the conspirators.
Victims believed they were transferring funds to legitimate companies. Instead, the money was diverted into accounts managed by Mba and others, who acted as “money mules,” opening and using bank accounts to receive and transfer stolen funds.
In addition to the financial fraud, prosecutors revealed that Mba attempted to secure U.S. permanent residency through multiple fraudulent marriages after his initial immigration application was denied and he was ordered removed from the country.
U.S. Authorities Condemn Exploitation of Vulnerable Victims
Ganjei described romance scams as “among the lowest and most despicable forms of fraud,” noting that they disproportionately target elderly individuals and exploit loneliness for financial gain.
FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge Jason Hudson also condemned the scheme, stating that romance scams “cruelly manipulate trust” and often leave victims financially and emotionally devastated.
Mba is expected to face removal proceedings after completing his prison term, as he is not a U.S. citizen.
Co-Conspirators Also Sentenced
Four other Houston residents previously pleaded guilty in connection with the case:
Grace Morisho, 30
Rodgers Kadikilo, 30
Kristin Smith, 38
Alexandra Golovko, 36
Morisho, Kadikilo and Smith received prison sentences ranging from 15 to 25 months, while Golovko was sentenced to five years’ probation.
The investigation was led by the FBI with support from the Houston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Alum prosecuted the case.
Mba will remain in custody pending transfer to a federal Bureau of Prisons facility.
