American Businessman Sentenced to 74 Years in Prison for $1.2 Million Visa Scam in Lagos

A Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja has sentenced an American businessman, Marco Antonio Ramirez, to 74 years in prison for defrauding victims of $1.2 million through a fraudulent visa scheme. Ramirez, who was convicted on Tuesday, was found guilty of multiple charges related to an EB-5 visa scam and additional fraud totaling $368,698.24.

Justice Mojisola Dada, who presided over the case, handed down the sentence after determining that the prosecution, led by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Ramirez faced two separate sets of consolidated charges, with the court ruling that he had deceived his victims into believing they could obtain U.S. Green Cards through an investment program he falsely promised to facilitate.

The court sentenced Ramirez to eight years in prison for each of the first six counts and 10 years for each of counts seven and eight in the first charge. In the second charge, he was sentenced to 10 years for each of counts one to 12 for obtaining money by false pretenses and another 10 years for each of counts 13 to 16 for stealing.

According to the EFCC, Ramirez, through his companies—USA Now LLC, Eagle Ford Instalodge Group LP, and USA Now Energy Capital Group LP—tricked his victims into believing that their investments would qualify them for the Employment-Based Fifth Preference (EB-5) United States Investor Program, which would lead to the issuance of U.S. Green Cards and permanent residency. However, instead of fulfilling these promises, Ramirez used the funds for his personal gain.

In her judgment, Justice Dada stated, “The convict dishonestly converted the money meant for investments to his personal use. The prosecution has successfully proved that the promises made to the victims were false, and the funds obtained were under fraudulent pretenses.”

The fraudulent activities took place in 2013, with one victim, Godson Echegile, losing $545,000 to Ramirez. Echegile was led to believe that the money was a processing fee for his investment, which would qualify him for a U.S. Green Card through the EB-5 program.

Ramirez was initially arraigned on 12 counts of fraud and pleaded not guilty. The EFCC later amended the charges, and Ramirez was re-arraigned on 16 counts on June 24, 2022. The offenses were committed between February 5, 2013, and April 18, 2013, in Lagos.

During the trial, the prosecution, led by M.S. Owede and supported by Samuel Daji, presented several pieces of documentary evidence and called witnesses to substantiate the charges. The defense counsel, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), cross-examined the prosecution’s witnesses. After several adjournments, the final written addresses were adopted by both sides on May 8, 2024, and the judge scheduled the case for judgment.

In delivering the verdict, Justice Dada also found Ramirez guilty on a separate nine-count charge related to fraud involving $368,698.24. Additionally, in another case, Ramirez was convicted of defrauding a victim, Gabriel Ogie Edeoghon, of $250,000 on July 26, 2013. Ramirez falsely claimed that the money was for an investment in the USA Now Energy Capital Group LP, which he promised would make Edeoghon eligible for a U.S. Green Card through the EB-5 visa program. For this particular fraud, Ramirez received additional sentences of eight years for each of counts one to six and 10 years for each of counts seven and eight.

The sentencing of Ramirez marks a significant victory in the fight against fraud and corruption, with the EFCC successfully securing a conviction in a case that had spanned several years. Justice Dada’s ruling sends a strong message that those who engage in fraudulent activities, particularly those involving vulnerable individuals seeking better opportunities abroad, will face severe consequences.