Mercy Abire, a long jumper from Nigeria, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering and now faces a potential sentence of 20 years in prison in the US.
According to court records and information provided to the court, Uyoyo Mercy Abire, 28, and her accomplices Raymond Ekevwo, a former national champion in the men’s 100-meter race, and Aniekeme Etim used online romance scams, online charity scams, and other types of fraud between 2018 and 2022 to defraud victims of their money.
The money gained through these schemes was subsequently distributed among the conspirators, and eventually, a large portion of the money was sent abroad.
Abire personally transferred over $100,000 to conspirators between November 2018 and April 2019 through her American bank account.
Abire is expected to be sentenced n August 30, 2023, and 20 years in prison is the maximum punishment possible for her.
The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other legal considerations will be taken into account by a federal district court when determining any punishment.
(Source: Justice.gov)
