Nigerian '419' man jailed
2004-04-05 09:09
Caernarfon, Wales - A Nigerian man was jailed on Friday for taking part in an international e-mail scam which conned victims of thousands of pounds.
A judge at Caernarfon Crown Court sentenced Peter Ewalefoh Okoeguale, 33, to 20 months in prison after he plead guilty to being involved in what is known as the "Nigerian 419 scam."
Victims are contacted by a person claiming to be a former Nigerian government minister, saying he has millions of dollars that he needs to move out of the country.
They are promised a share of the cash, but only if they first hand over money to help smooth an international transfer.
Police at Holyhead Port in north Wales carried out routine checks on Okoeguale's computer and found forged documents. They also found discs that contained thousands of e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of companies and individuals from Scotland, the United States, the Middle East, and the Far East.
Officers traced 11 victims, including one in Scotland who lost £20 000, and a retired 72-year-old American businessman who lost $46 500.
Judge John Rogers recommended that Okoeguale be deported after serving his sentence.
- SAPA