Virginia Man Admits Conspiring to Launder Money Obtained from Internet-Enabled Romance Scams

NEWARK, N.J. – A Virginia man today admitted to conspiring to launder money taken from victims across the United States as a part of a series of romance scams, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Nana Yaw Marfo, 39, of Alexandria, Virginia, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Esther Salas in Newark federal court today to an information charging him with one count of money laundering conspiracy.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

Marfo laundered money obtained through internet-enabled romance scams through numerous bank accounts opened in different business names. After receiving the romance scam victims’ money, Marfo wired thousands of dollars to overseas bank accounts. As part of this scheme, Marfo received and transferred approximately $4.7 million, knowing that the transactions were for the purpose of disguising or hiding the proceeds of criminal activity. 

The money laundering conspiracy charge has a maximum prison term of 20 years, and a maximum fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the funds involved in the transfer, whichever is greater. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 4, 2025.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Nelson I. Delgado in Newark and Special Agent in Charge Gregory D. Nelsen in Cleveland, Ohio, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea. 

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David E. Malagold and Ingrid Eicher of the Criminal Division in Newark.