Nigerian e-scammer convicted in Canada

WINNIPEG, Manitoba, May 8 (UPI) -- A Nigerian man pleaded guilty to fraud conspiracy in Winnipeg, Canada, in connection with e-mails promising money but demanding "good faith" deposits.

Toluwalada Owolabi, 37, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit fraud after a Winnipeg doctor tipped off police he was about to arrange a wire transfer of money through Owolabi, the Winnipeg Sun reported Thursday.

Police set up a sting operation at the unidentified doctor's home Sept. 7 and made the arrest as the men discussed a transfer of $7,800 to a bank in Guyana, the report said.

Owolabi was convicted of wire fraud in New York in 2003, and served 27 months in prison before being deported to Nigeria.

A year and a half later, he arrived in Toronto, married a Canadian woman and claimed refugee status, the newspaper said.

Owolabi will be sentenced May 29, and prosecutors are seeking a 30-month sentence, which is long enough to require deportation after he serves it, the Sun said.