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A Phoenix-based Nigerian citizen, Kingsley Ibhadore, has been sentenced to 17 months in federal prison by the United States District Court for the District of Arizona for his involvement in laundering millions of dollars obtained from victims of online romance scams.
Ibhadore, a U.S. resident, pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges in May 2024 and was sentenced on Monday, May 5, 2025.
According to federal investigators, Ibhadore played a significant role in a scheme that defrauded victims of nearly $3 million between 2018 and 2019.
According to the U.S. Secret Service, Ibhadore used numerous aliases and counterfeit passports to open 24 bank accounts at various financial institutions, including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and BBVA Compass.
Operating under names such as Barry Bhoye, Celestin Cheick, Simone Diakite, and Celestin Emmanuel, Ibhadore deposited checks from scam victims—some totaling as much as $100,000. He then withdrew the funds or transferred the money to overseas accounts in Turkey and Nigeria.
“This was a significant financial operation,” said Scott Windish, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service in Phoenix, during the initial investigation in 2023. Authorities believe Ibhadore was part of a larger criminal network.
The investigation into Ibhadore began in 2023, following a FOX 10 report that uncovered details of the fraudulent activity. He was later indicted that same year.
His sentencing represents a major step in the broader effort to combat international romance scams and financial fraud.
