American Businessman Jailed for $1.6m Visa Fraud in Lagos

A Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, has sentenced an American businessman, Marco Antonio Ramirez, to 68 years in prison for his role in a $1.6 million visa fraud scheme.

Ramirez, 68, was found guilty of defrauding investors in an EB-5 visa scam, which promised green cards in exchange for investments in his company, USA Now Energy Capital Group LP. He was also convicted of a separate $368,698.24 fraud.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecuted Ramirez alongside his companies, USA NOW LLC, Eagle Ford Instalodge Group LP, and USA Now Energy Capital Group LP.

Justice Mojisola Dada, who delivered the judgment, held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubts. Ramirez was sentenced to 10 years each on 12 counts of obtaining by false pretence and 10 years each on four counts of stealing. He was also sentenced to eight years each on six counts and 10 years each on two counts in the separate charge.

The convictions and sentences mark a significant victory for the EFCC in its fight against financial crimes and visa fraud.