Maryland Woman Sentenced for Laundering Millions from Fraud Victims

A Gaithersburg, Maryland woman has been sentenced to federal prison for her role in a significant money laundering operation that funneled illicit funds from various fraud schemes, impacting at least 27 victims and amounting to over $3.8 million laundered or attempted to be laundered. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, Tanoa Tanoh, 35, received a 30-month prison sentence and was ordered to pay restitution of $1,037,762 to those defrauded.

Tanoh pleaded guilty in December 2025 to conspiracy to commit money laundering, admitting to collaborating with others to disguise the origins of money obtained through fraudulent activities. The scheme involved Tanoh creating multiple bank accounts under false aliases and in the names of shell companies she established with the State of Maryland. These entities, such as “Hoch Investments LLC” and “Easy Supplies LLC,” were registered using fabricated identification documents bearing Tanoh’s photograph but under assumed names. The sole purpose of these businesses was to open bank accounts where victims’ funds could be deposited.

The laundered funds originated from a range of scams, including romance scams, elder fraud, and business email compromises, with victims located in Maryland and other states. After co-conspirators tricked individuals into sending money to these fraudulent accounts, Tanoh would then move the funds between her own accounts or transfer them to other individuals. This process intentionally made it more difficult for victims and law enforcement to track and recover the stolen proceeds, which are often ultimately sent to overseas perpetrators. Individuals like Tanoh typically receive a commission for their involvement in such money laundering activities.

In connection with this case, two Nigerian nationals, Olumide Obidare, 32, and Steven Oseghale, 32, have already been sentenced in the District of Minnesota. Obidare received a sentence of 108 months in prison and an additional two years for aggravated identity theft, while Oseghale was sentenced to 56 months and two additional years for aggravated identity theft, for their roles in conspiracy to commit wire fraud. A third co-conspirator, Emmanuel Okereke, 42, also a Nigerian national, is currently awaiting trial in the Northern District of Ohio.

This sentencing underscores the ongoing efforts by federal authorities to combat financial fraud and money laundering. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant against common scam tactics and to report any suspicious financial activity. Resources for reporting fraud are available through the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland.

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