Nigerian Court Jails American Businessman 74 Years for $1.2m Visa Scam
A Lagos State Special Offences Court in Nigeria has sentenced an American businessman, Marco Antonio Ramirez, to 74 years in prison for defrauding victims of $1.2m through an EB-5 visa scam. Justice Mojisola Dada found Ramirez guilty of obtaining money by false pretences and stealing.
Ramirez, who was arrested and prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), promised victims access to the US Investor Programme, which would qualify them for a Green Card and permanent residency. However, he reneged on his promises and converted the funds for personal use.
The EFCC tendered documentary evidence and called witnesses to prove the allegations against Ramirez, who was initially arraigned on 12 counts bordering on fraud. The charges were later amended to 16 counts, and Ramirez was re-arraigned on June 24, 2022.
Ramirez received separate sentences for each count, including 10 years each for obtaining false pretences and stealing. He was also found guilty of defrauding another victim, Gabriel Ogie Edeoghon, for $250,000 on July 26, 2013.
The judge noted that the prosecution had proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt, and Ramirez’s promises to the victims were false. The court also found that Ramirez had dishonestly converted the money meant for investments to his personal use.
The EFCC said Ramirez’s fraudulent activities took place in 2013, and one of the victims, Godson Echegile, lost $545,000 to Ramirez under the false pretext that it was a processing fee for his investment, which would qualify him for a US Green Card through the EB-5 programme.
Ramirez’s conviction and sentencing serve as a warning to others engaging in similar fraudulent activities in Nigeria. The EFCC has been actively working to combat fraud and corruption in the country, and this case demonstrates their commitment to bringing perpetrators to justice.
