**20-Year Jail Term for Nigerian Scammer** A 40-year-old Nigerian man, Leslie Chinedu Mba, has been handed a 19-year prison sentence by a US court for his involvement in a high-profile romance scam and business email compromise scheme that saw over $4 million swindled from unsuspecting victims. Mba, who was living in Houston without proper documentation, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and false immigration documents charges in December 2025. The court's decision was announced by the US Department of Justice on February 26, 2026. Following his imprisonment, he will face removal proceedings from the US. The schemes, which ran from 2018 to 2023, targeted vulnerable elderly Americans, manipulating their trust and exploiting their fear of loneliness. The scammers, including Mba and his co-conspirators, used unauthorized access to business email accounts to redirect payments to their own bank accounts. They also used fake romance relationships to fleece their victims. What's more disturbing is that Mba attempted to secure permanent residency in the US through multiple fake marriages after his initial application was rejected. Four other accomplices, including Grace Morisho, Rodgers Kadikilo, Kristin Smith, and Alexandra Golovko, have already pleaded guilty and received varying sentences. This case highlights the brazen nature of romance scams and the devastating impact they have on victims. As FBI Houston Special Agent Jason Hudson noted, "Romance scams cruelly manipulate trust, leaving victims financially and emotionally shattered." The FBI, working with the Houston Police Department, conducted the investigation, which led to the conviction of Mba and his accomplices. The successful prosecution of this case serves as a warning to potential scammers and a reassurance to victims that justice will be served. As Nigeria continues to grapple with the issue of cybercrime, this case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies across borders.