Maryland Man Sentenced to 30 Months for Pet and Agricultural Goods Fraud Scheme

A Chillum man has been sentenced to federal prison for his role in a multi-year fraud scheme involving fake online pet and agricultural goods sales that defrauded victims across the country. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, 32-year-old Anomah Ndonwi received a 30-month sentence followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud.

Federal authorities say that between at least September 2019 and December 2022, Ndonwi conspired with others to trick victims into paying for non-existent dogs, horses, and agricultural products through internet-based sales listings. Victims who wired payments never received their purchases or refunds. Some victims were foreign business representatives who sent international payments for bulk orders of meat and other agricultural goods that were never delivered.

To carry out the scheme, Ndonwi used fraudulent identifications, including fake Cameroonian passports, to open at least 14 U.S. bank accounts—primarily in Maryland—under alias names. These accounts were used to collect over $930,000 in proceeds from the scam, which impacted at least ten victims.

The U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service and federal prosecutors in Maryland led the investigation and prosecution. Residents are encouraged to remain cautious when engaging in online purchases, particularly those requiring upfront wire payments. Victims of fraud are advised to report suspicious activity through official Department of Justice channels.

Article by multiple contributors, based upon information from a press release by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland.

---