Romance Scam Prosecutions
I. Overview: Romance Scams in UK Law
A. What is a Romance Scam?
A romance scam (also known as romance fraud) occurs when someone deceives another person into believing they are in a genuine romantic relationship—usually online—with the intention of gaining financially. The perpetrator often fakes personal details, creates false identities, and fabricates emotional stories (e.g., medical emergencies, stranded abroad) to manipulate the victim into sending money.
B. Legal Framework in the UK
Romance scam prosecutions are generally brought under the Fraud Act 2006, which includes the following offenses:
Fraud by false representation (Section 2)
Fraud by failing to disclose information (Section 3)
Fraud by abuse of position (Section 4)
Additional laws used may include:
Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA) – to recover the proceeds of fraud
Computer Misuse Act 1990 – where digital deception is involved
Identity theft and forgery laws – if false documents are used
Money laundering legislation
II. Key Elements in Romance Fraud Cases
False representation of identity, emotions, or intentions
Deception that leads the victim to send money, gifts, or information
Intention to cause loss to another or gain for oneself
Evidence includes fake profiles, communications, bank transfers, etc.
III. Case Law on Romance Scam Prosecutions
1. R v. Iyamu (2013)
Court: Crown Court
Facts:
Iyamu ran a romance scam ring from the UK targeting victims internationally.
Used fake identities to pose as British Army officers or professionals.
Victims were defrauded of over £400,000.
Legal Issues:
Charged with fraud by false representation and money laundering.
Holding:
Convicted on multiple counts.
Sentenced to 6 years imprisonment.
Importance:
One of the first large-scale romance scam prosecutions in the UK.
Set precedent for cross-border scams being tried under UK law.
2. R v. Onwugbufor (2015)
Court: Crown Court
Facts:
Defendant posed as a wealthy businessman on dating sites.
Convinced victims to “lend” money to help with fake business problems.
Stole over £250,000 from multiple victims.
Legal Issues:
Charged under the Fraud Act 2006 and POCA.
Holding:
Guilty; received 8 years imprisonment.
Assets frozen and seized under POCA.
Importance:
Demonstrated that multiple victims strengthen prosecution.
Emphasized the emotional and financial impact on victims.
3. R v. Okonkwo (2017)
Court: Crown Court
Facts:
Okonkwo was part of a group who created fake dating profiles.
Used stolen photos and false professions (e.g., doctors, engineers).
One victim alone sent over £100,000.
Legal Issues:
Fraud by false representation, conspiracy to defraud.
Holding:
Convicted and sentenced to 7 years imprisonment.
Importance:
Court noted emotional abuse and exploitation of trust.
Victim impact statements played a key role in sentencing.
4. R v. Adebayo and Others (2019)
Court: Crown Court
Facts:
A network of Nigerian nationals living in the UK ran a romance scam operation.
Used fake military and oil industry personas.
Scammed over £1 million from victims across Europe.
Legal Issues:
Fraud, identity theft, money laundering, and conspiracy.
Holding:
All defendants convicted.
Sentences ranged from 4 to 10 years.
Importance:
Demonstrated complex organized crime structure behind romance scams.
Prosecution succeeded using digital forensics and bank tracing.
5. R v. Roberts (2021)
Court: Crown Court
Facts:
Female defendant targeted vulnerable elderly men through dating sites.
Claimed false emergencies (sick children, deportation risks).
Defrauded £80,000 from several victims.
Legal Issues:
Fraud by false representation.
Holding:
Pleaded guilty; sentenced to 4 years imprisonment.
Importance:
Unusual case of a female perpetrator in romance fraud.
Highlighted targeting of elderly and isolated victims.
6. R v. Musa (2023)
Court: Crown Court
Facts:
Musa impersonated a US Army officer stationed abroad.
Built a six-month online relationship with a widowed woman.
She sent over £300,000 via international transfers.
Legal Issues:
Fraud, use of false identity, money laundering.
Holding:
Convicted and sentenced to 9 years imprisonment.
Importance:
Emphasized use of romantic grooming and emotional manipulation.
Victim's cooperation with authorities aided the case significantly.
IV. Summary Table
| Case | Year | Amount Defrauded | Outcome | Key Issue Addressed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R v. Iyamu | 2013 | £400,000+ | 6 years imprisonment | International scam, fake identities |
| R v. Onwugbufor | 2015 | £250,000+ | 8 years imprisonment | Multiple victims, POCA confiscation |
| R v. Okonkwo | 2017 | £100,000+ | 7 years imprisonment | Emotional abuse, impersonation |
| R v. Adebayo & Others | 2019 | £1,000,000+ | Up to 10 years | Organised network, conspiracy |
| R v. Roberts | 2021 | £80,000 | 4 years imprisonment | Vulnerable elderly victims |
| R v. Musa | 2023 | £300,000 | 9 years imprisonment | Grooming, digital forensics |
V. Key Themes from Case Law
Custodial sentences are standard, especially for repeat offenders or large-scale fraud.
Organised groups face harsher penalties than individuals acting alone.
Courts recognize the emotional toll on victims alongside financial losses.
Use of Proceeds of Crime Act allows recovery and deterrence.
Fake military or professional personas are frequently used and easily disproved through digital evidence.
VI. Conclusion
Romance scams are increasingly prosecuted under UK fraud laws, particularly the Fraud Act 2006, and the courts have taken a firm stance against this form of deception due to the emotional and financial devastation it causes. These prosecutions have evolved to involve not just perpetrators but also money mules, accomplices, and fraud networks.
Law enforcement agencies like the National Crime Agency (NCA) and Action Fraud work closely with tech platforms and financial institutions to trace, prosecute, and recover the proceeds from these scams.
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