Sherlyn Sims, a Zimbabwean national residing in the United States and known by the alias “Sherlyn Dzinzi,” has been found guilty of conspiring to launder proceeds from extensive romance fraud and business email compromise schemes. The jury delivered the verdict on Tuesday following a five-day trial, marking a significant conclusion to a high-profile case of financial deceit.
According to the charges and the evidence presented during the trial, Sims and her co-defendants engaged in a sophisticated scheme to launder over US$1.2 million through a series of fraudulent activities. Between December 2019 and August 2020, they registered fictitious businesses, including Grace Trading, LLC—a company Sims established in Georgia—and opened bank accounts under these false entities.
The sham businesses, which lacked legitimate operations, physical premises, and employees, served as fronts for funneling illicit funds. Once established, Sims and her accomplices directed victims of romance fraud and business email scams to deposit funds into these accounts. One victim was deceived into transferring nearly US$100,000 to assist an individual she believed was detained by customs officials.
The fraudulent operation involved the swift transfer, withdrawal, and expenditure of funds. For instance, Grace Trading’s accounts, opened just two days after the business was registered with the Georgia Secretary of State, received approximately US$200,000 from scam victims. Sims then promptly wired these funds to China and other international locations, withdrew cash, or spent the money.
The indictment also detailed an incident where Sims directed a victim to send an earnest money deposit for a new home to Grace Trading’s account. Despite banks closing these accounts due to fraudulent activities, Sims persisted by opening new accounts under different sham businesses. Additionally, Grace Trading was exploited to obtain a fraudulent COVID-19 relief loan from the Small Business Administration.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia led the investigation and prosecution. The case is part of the Department of Justice’s Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force, emphasizing the extensive impact of these crimes.
U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan highlighted the broader implications of the case: “The fraud schemes that Sims perpetrated have become an epidemic in this country. Our vulnerable elderly population is often targeted in these crimes, leading to significant financial loss and emotional suffering. The jury’s verdict brings to an end Sims’s attempts to evade responsibility for her role in these schemes.”
FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Keri Farley underscored the case’s significance in revealing the sophisticated methods used in digital fraud schemes. “This case serves as a reminder of the advanced tactics employed by criminals and the need for ongoing vigilance in the digital age,” Farley noted. “The repercussions of such fraud schemes extend beyond Georgia, affecting individuals worldwide.”
Sims is set to be sentenced on November 5, 2024, alongside her co-defendants Bright Eigbedion and Presley Ihimekpen, who were also convicted of conspiracy to commit money laundering. The case remains a poignant example of the severe consequences of financial fraud and the global reach of such criminal activities.
In other news – South Africa cheers as Tebogo Letsile triumphs with historic Olympic win
South Africa is alive with celebration as the nation revels in the extraordinary achievement of Tebogo Letsile, who has made history at the 2024 Summer Olympics. Letsile’s triumph in the 200-meter sprint has not only brought immense pride to Botswana but has also sparked a wave of joy and admiration across the entire continent.
In a landmark victory, Letsile became the first African athlete to clinch the gold medal in the 200-meter event, marking the first-ever Olympic gold medal for Botswana. His stunning performance on the global stage has captured the hearts of many, transcending national borders and uniting people across Africa in a shared sense of achievement. Read More
