Man Sentenced to Over 4 Years in Prison for Multimillion Dollar Online Dating Scam

A Massachusetts man has been sentenced to more than four years behind bars after he was convicted of stealing millions in an online dating fraud scheme.

Jail via Getty Images
Getty

Image via Getty

Jail via Getty Images

A Massachusetts man will spend the next few years behind bars after he was convicted of stealing millions in an online dating scam.

According to the Department of Justice, 30-year-old Kofi Osei was sentenced this week to 54 months in prison and two years of supervised release for stealing more than $8 million from hundreds of women in the elaborate scheme. Osei has also been ordered to pay more than $4 million in restitution and forfeiture.

Back in September, Osei, who was arrested in February 2021 and at the time faced a 10-year sentence in prison, pleaded guilty to seven counts of making a false statement to a bank, six counts of wire fraud and two counts of money laundering.

“Osei coordinated with his co-conspirators to receive the fraud proceeds into the bank accounts he opened,” prosecutors said in a press release. “Osei then withdrew the fraud proceeds in cash or with a cashier’s check, sending a portion back to his co-conspirators.”

Authorities said Osei pocketed $4 million of the stolen money, depositing the funds into personal bank accounts. 

The Department of Justice added, “Osei’s co-conspirators created and used fictitious online dating profiles to capitalize on the victims’ desire for companionship, gain their trust and direct victims to transfer money based on lies.”

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