Nigerian Man Gets 15-Year US Prison Term for $1.5M Romance Scam

A U.S. federal court has sentenced Nigerian national Saheed Sunday Owolabi to 15 years in prison for orchestrating an international wire fraud and money laundering scheme that defrauded victims of over $1.5 million. The sentence follows his conviction for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, highlighting the U.S. government’s crackdown on cross-border cybercrime.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Owolabi was a key figure in a sophisticated online scam in which he posed as a woman to build fake romantic relationships with U.S. victims—a tactic commonly known as a romance scam. Once trust was gained, the victims were persuaded to wire money into accounts controlled by Owolabi, who then laundered the funds to Nigeria.

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Investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) revealed that Owolabi and his co-conspirators also used victim-provided accounts to launder money from other fraudulent operations. In one case, a single victim in the Eastern District of North Carolina lost more than $120,000, with many other victims nationwide affected by the scheme.

U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle described Owolabi as a “cheat” and said the sentence underscores the FBI’s commitment to identifying, disrupting, and dismantling international fraud and money-laundering networks targeting American citizens.

The court proceedings, led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad DeVoe, highlighted Owolabi’s role as an organiser in the fraud, using complex money-laundering methods to conceal illicit proceeds. The case is part of broader U.S. enforcement efforts against online fraud, cybercrime, and cross-border financial crimes, particularly schemes leveraging digital platforms to exploit victims.

Authorities say the sentence serves as a strong deterrent to others involved in international scams and demonstrates that sophisticated internet fraud operations will be pursued rigorously, regardless of the perpetrators’ location.

Nigerian Man Gets 15-Year US Prison Term for $1.5M Romance Scam

US Warns Iran Against Closing Strait of Hormuz, Cites “Severe Consequences”

Washington, D.C. — The United States has issued a strong warning to Iran over any potential move to shut down the strategic Strait of Hormuz following ongoing military operations in the region, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio cautioning that such an action would attract “severe consequences.”

Rubio, speaking amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, stressed that the vital waterway must remain open to global shipping, describing any attempt by Iran to block access as unacceptable and destabilising.

“The Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway that must remain open,” Rubio said. “If Iran chooses to close it after military operations conclude, it will face serious consequences. The United States will ensure that freedom of navigation is maintained.”

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, serving as a gateway for nearly a fifth of global petroleum supplies. Any disruption to its operations could send shockwaves through international energy markets and significantly impact global trade.

Tensions have escalated in recent days following military developments involving the United States and its regional allies, alongside growing concerns over Iran’s response. Analysts say Tehran has previously hinted at the possibility of leveraging the strait as a strategic pressure point during periods of conflict.

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Security experts warn that a closure of the narrow waterway could trigger a broader regional crisis, potentially drawing in global powers and leading to military confrontations at sea. The U.S. Navy, which maintains a strong presence in the region, has historically conducted operations to safeguard commercial shipping routes.

While Iranian officials have not formally announced any decision to block the strait, past rhetoric from Tehran has included threats to disrupt maritime traffic if its national interests are threatened.

In response, U.S. officials reiterated their commitment to maintaining stability and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of commerce. Rubio emphasised that any move to interfere with international shipping lanes would not only affect the United States but also have far-reaching consequences for the global economy.

Observers note that the warning underscores the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz and highlights the fragile security situation in the Gulf region. With tensions still simmering, diplomatic efforts are expected to continue alongside military preparedness.

As the situation unfolds, the international community remains watchful, with many nations urging restraint to avoid further escalation in an already volatile region.

US Warns Iran Against Closing Strait of Hormuz, Cites “Severe Consequences”

China Thanks ‘Relevant Parties’ as Ships Cross Strait of Hormuz Amid Tensions

The government of China has confirmed that three Chinese vessels successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz, expressing appreciation to “relevant parties” for facilitating their safe passage amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region.

Speaking on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning described the strait as a “vital corridor for global trade and energy supplies,” reiterating Beijing’s call for an immediate ceasefire and de-escalation of hostilities in the region.

“We express our gratitude to the relevant parties for the assistance provided,” Mao said, without identifying the actors involved, in what analysts interpret as a diplomatic acknowledgment of coordinated security efforts in the waterway.

Chinese Ships Navigate High-Risk Waters

Ship-tracking data confirmed that at least two container vessels operated by COSCO Shipping exited the Gulf on Monday, completing a second attempt after aborting an earlier departure days before due to security concerns. The vessels reportedly sailed in tight formation and at increased speeds, heading toward the Gulf of Oman — a sign of heightened caution amid ongoing threats.

According to maritime data analyst Rebecca Gerdes of Kpler, the ships are among the first non-Iranian container vessels to successfully leave the Persian Gulf since the escalation of conflict, highlighting a cautious reopening of one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes.

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COSCO had earlier announced on March 25 that it would resume container bookings for shipments between Asia and Gulf destinations, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Iraq, signaling cautious confidence in maritime security conditions.

Strait of Hormuz Under Pressure

The Strait of Hormuz — through which nearly one-fifth of global oil supply typically flows — has faced significant disruption since the outbreak of hostilities involving Iran, the United States, and Israel beginning in late February.

Security threats, including missile strikes, naval incidents, floating mines, and drone activity, have forced many shipping companies to halt or delay operations, leaving hundreds of vessels stranded and disrupting exports such as Saudi crude oil and Qatari liquefied natural gas.

Despite the risks, some vessels have cautiously resumed transit. Reports indicate that a Greek-operated oil tanker carrying Saudi crude recently exited the Gulf, while Indian-flagged LPG carriers also navigated the route successfully.

To mitigate risks, shipping operators have adopted defensive navigation strategies, including sailing at night, increasing speed, and in some cases switching off tracking transponders to reduce visibility.

China Pushes for Stability

China’s acknowledgment of assistance reflects its broader diplomatic stance, as Beijing continues to advocate for dialogue, restraint, and stability in the Gulf. As one of the world’s largest energy importers, China has a strategic interest in keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and secure.

Analysts say the successful transit of Chinese vessels signals a fragile but important development in global shipping, suggesting that limited movement may resume if security conditions improve — though risks remain high.

China Thanks ‘Relevant Parties’ as Ships Cross Strait of Hormuz Amid Tensions