• Mercy Ojedeji pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of unlawful use of fraudulent immigration documents and one count of wire fraud, according to Fox4.
A 24-year-old Nigerian, Mercy Ojedeji has pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining a student visa and using it to collect over $49,000 in educational benefits while living in Missouri, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Mercy Ojedeji pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of unlawful use of fraudulent immigration documents and one count of wire fraud, according to Fox4.
Federal prosecutors said Ojedeji resided in St. Louis County and gained admission to a University of Missouri system school using fake academic credentials, including forged transcripts and recommendation letters.
The falsified documents secured him a spot in the university’s chemistry PhD program beginning in fall 2023, along with a tuition waiver and stipend valued at over $49,000.
With the fraudulent documents, Ojedeji also obtained a Social Security card, opened a bank account, and rented an apartment.
However, after failing to attend classes or join a research group, the university terminated his enrollment in January 2024, leading to the cancellation of his visa.
Despite the termination, Ojedeji used the invalid visa and other fake documents the following month to acquire a Missouri driver’s license.
During the same period, authorities launched an investigation into a potential romance fraud scheme after the U.S. Postal Inspection Service received complaints.
Investigators discovered that 35 Express Mail packages tracked to Nigerian IP addresses were sent to a woman identified as Ojedeji’s romantic partner between December 2023 and January 2024.
A broader review revealed a total of 193 packages containing more than $94,000 in cash and gift cards had been mailed over the course of their relationship.
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is dedicated to defending the nation’s mail system from criminal activity, preserving the integrity of the U.S. Mail, and protecting United States Postal Service employees,” said Ruth M. Mendonca, Inspector in Charge of the Chicago Division, which includes the St. Louis Field Office.
While Ojedeji has admitted to the student visa fraud, he denies any involvement in the romance scam.
He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 10 and faces up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
A statement by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Missouri said, “The investigation into Ojedeji began when the U.S. Postal Inspection Service received complaints that romance fraud victims were mailing packages containing cash and gift cards to the home of Ojedeji’s paramour. “Between Dec. 19, 2023, and Jan. 4, 2024, 35 Express Mail packages that had been tracked by Nigerian internet protocol addresses were delivered to the paramour’s address. A court-approved search of the home resulted in the discovery of packages sent pursuant to a Nigerian romance fraud scheme.
“A total of 193 packages were sent to the home through the Postal Services Express Mail, Federal Express, and United Parcel Service during Ojedeji’s relationship with the woman.
“At sentencing, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will argue that the total intended loss is more than $1 million, based on the $94,150 contained in the 17 packages seized by law enforcement. Ojedeji continues to deny any involvement in romance fraud.”