Tech worker from Kenya gets 23 months for helping global scam ring

A 36-year-old Kenyan man has been sentenced to 23 months in prison for his involvement in a sophisticated international fraud scheme that swindled victims out of $12 million across four U.S. states.

How the Scam Worked

Fraudsters posed as legitimate businesses, sending deceptive emails that appeared to come from trusted partners. Victims in Connecticut, Colorado, Alaska, and New York were tricked into transferring money to accounts they believed were safe. Some funds originated from romance scam victims who unknowingly handled stolen cash, while others were payments for non-existent business services.

The Criminal’s Role

Starting in 2022, the Kenyan man facilitated the scheme by processing fake invoices and contracts provided by the group’s leader—a Nigerian national. After altering these documents, he forwarded them to unsuspecting victims. Once payments were received, the stolen funds were rapidly laundered through multiple accounts or converted to cash.

Despite knowing the operation was illegal, he continued his involvement for years before being arrested in Malaysia in 2022. Extradited to the U.S. in 2025, he pleaded guilty to wire fraud in October of that year.

Justice Served

The Kenyan man’s sentence is among the lighter penalties in the case. Two other accomplices received far harsher sentences: one was handed 96 months, while another received 24 months in prison.

After serving his time, he will be deported back to Kenya.