Daniel Chima Inweregbu, a 40-year-old Nigerian, has pled guilty to his involvement in a romance scam that defrauded American women of more than $405,000.

Inweregbu appeared before U.S. District Judge Nanette Jolivette Brown on August 21, 2025, where he admitted to two charges related to the scheme.

According to a statement from Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson, Inweregbu pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, as well as using an alias to further the fraudulent scheme, in violation of multiple sections of the United States Code.

He also pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to launder money obtained through these illicit activities.

The scam, which took place between July 1, 2017, and December 16, 2018, involved Inweregbu and his co-conspirators using fake identities to lure women into emotional relationships.

They created profiles on social media and dating platforms under the alias “Larry Pham,” portraying a middle-aged man looking for love. Once the victims responded, the scammers, including Inweregbu, established emotional bonds and manipulated the women into sending large sums of money.

The victims were convinced to transfer funds for various fake emergencies, with the money directed into domestic bank accounts controlled by the scammers.

In total, the scam resulted in actual and potential losses exceeding $405,000.

The fraudulent group also engaged in money laundering activities, using intermediaries to disguise the source and ownership of the stolen funds.

Inweregbu now faces significant prison time. For Count 1 (conspiracy to commit fraud), he could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and three years of supervised release.

For Count 12 (conspiracy to commit money laundering), he faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, and three years of supervised release.

Additionally, he is required to pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100 for each count.

Sentencing is scheduled for December 4, 2025.

India has firmly stated that it will not “bow down” in the face of recent US tariffs, with Trade Minister Piyush Goyal reiterating that the country will focus on tapping into new global markets.

Goyal’s comments come in response to the imposition of a 50% tariff on several Indian goods entering the United States.

The tariffs, which came into effect this week, are part of Washington’s efforts to penalize India for its significant oil purchases from Russia, a move aimed at pressuring Moscow to end its ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Since returning to the White House, US President Donald Trump has aggressively used tariffs as a key element of his foreign policy, with global trade being significantly affected by these actions.

During an address at a construction industry event in New Delhi on Friday, Goyal emphasized India’s resolve, stating that the country would continue to pursue new markets and strengthen its international position.

“India will never bow down,” Goyal declared. “We are always ready for free trade agreements, but we will not show weakness. We will remain firm in our position and move forward, capturing new markets globally.”

This latest round of tariffs has caused considerable strain in US-India relations, with New Delhi labeling the levies as “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.”

The two countries have been unable to make significant progress in trade negotiations, especially regarding agricultural and dairy market access.

India’s exports to the US reached a staggering $87.3 billion in 2024, making the US India’s largest trading partner.

However, analysts warn that the 50% tariff could essentially act like a trade embargo, especially affecting smaller Indian businesses.

Exporters in sectors such as textiles, seafood, and jewelry have already faced canceled orders and lost business to competing nations like Bangladesh and Vietnam, which are expected to see a rise in orders as a result.

Despite these challenges, Goyal assured the public that the Indian government would implement several measures aimed at supporting impacted industries and boosting export growth.

“I am confident that India’s exports will surpass the 2024-25 figures this year, despite these challenges,” Goyal said.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a powerful caution to global leaders, urging them to refrain from “playing with fire” as the world faces the growing threat of nuclear tests.

His remarks came on the International Day Against Nuclear Tests, a day dedicated to raising awareness of the dangers posed by nuclear detonations.

In his message, Guterres emphasized the need for global action, stating: “Stop playing with fire. Now is the time to silence the bombs before they speak again.”

The warning comes at a time when international tensions are rising, and the possibility of renewed nuclear testing looms large.

The UN chief’s statement marked the 80th anniversary of the first nuclear test, which took place on July 16, 1945, in the New Mexico desert as part of the United States’ Manhattan Project.

Since that fateful day, more than 2,000 nuclear tests have been conducted worldwide, many of which have left a long-lasting, devastating impact on both the environment and human health.

Guterres underscored the lasting consequences of these tests, which have led to the contamination of land and seas, forced the displacement of communities, and caused generational health issues.

The early atmospheric tests in particular spread radioactive fallout across continents, leaving survivors grappling with various health crises that have passed down through the generations.

The International Day Against Nuclear Tests was established by the UN General Assembly in 2009, following Kazakhstan’s decision to close the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site.

This site has since become a symbol of the global fight for the cessation of nuclear testing and the movement toward full nuclear disarmament.

Guterres pointed out that despite international efforts, the threat of nuclear testing remains a significant danger, particularly in light of escalating geopolitical conflicts.

He reminded the world of the “horrific legacy” left by over 2,000 nuclear tests, adding, “The world cannot accept this.”

As part of his appeal, Guterres urged nations to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), which was adopted by a wide majority in 1996.

Unfortunately, nearly three decades later, the treaty has yet to come into full force, with several key countries still holding out on ratification.