47-year-old Nigerian, Darlington Akporugo has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and conspiracy for a romance scheme that targeted victims across the United States, many of whom were elderly, U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei announced.
Akporugo, who was arrested a month before his wedding, admitted to being a central figure in a long-running romance scam that defrauded victims from Chicago to Kentucky. 
Working with accomplices, he used online relationships to manipulate victims into sending money to bank accounts under his control.
As part of his plea, Akporugo acknowledged approaching victims primarily through social media platforms like Facebook and directing them to send funds to either his accounts or those of his associates. The money was often transferred overseas.
Authorities identified over 25 victims, most of whom were retired or elderly, during the multi-year investigation. The fraudulent operation resulted in losses exceeding $3 million.
U.S. District Judge Charles Eskridge is set to sentence Akporugo on June 6. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine. He remains in custody pending the hearing