Maryland Man Sentenced in Connection With Pet-Selling Fraud Scheme

Baltimore, Maryland – Judge Theodore D. Chuang sentenced Anomah Ndonwi, 32, of Chillum, Maryland, to 30 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with David Richeson, Special Agent in Charge, Washington Field Office, U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS).

Beginning in at least September 2019, and continuing through at least December 2022, Ndonwi conspired with others to devise a scheme to obtain money through materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises. The scheme involved various non-delivery schemes, including victims throughout the United States who responded to internet websites offering the sale of pets such as dogs and horses.

After exchanging messages with the supposed seller of the pet, victims paid using a wire transfer or electronic-app transfer.  Following the payments, victims never received the pet they paid for nor a refund.

Another scheme involved the non-delivery of agricultural goods, such as meat products.  Victims, often from foreign countries and representing foreign businesses, responded to an alleged sale offer, and paid for goods using an interstate or international wire communication.  After payment, the victims never received the ordered products nor a refund from the supposed seller.

Ndonwi opened U.S. bank accounts to receive the proceeds from these schemes using fraudulent identifications.  In total, Ndonwi opened at least 14 bank accounts, primarily in Maryland, using alias names.  Ndonwi opened at least 12 of the accounts with fraudulent passports purportedly from the Republic of Cameroon.  These fraudulent passports showed Ndonwi’s picture but listed an alias name.

Through this scheme, Ndonwi received at least $930,105 in proceeds from the wire-fraud conspiracy which affected 10 or more victims.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the DSS for its work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Coreen Mao and Dawn Williams who are prosecuting the case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

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