Two Slippery Rock University students linked to nationwide online scam
SLIPPERY ROCK TWP— Three African nationals — two of them Slippery Rock University students — are suspected in a nationwide online fraud scheme that preyed on people looking to buy boxer puppies.
The swindle, authorities said, involved a popular Internet ad site, money transfers and laundered currency that eventually made its way to Africa.
During the investigation, state police also uncovered fake identification, including evidence of phony passports, that the defendants were using.
“It was a pretty intricate thing,” Trooper Joseph Vascetti, the lead investigators, said Tuesday. “It was well thought out and well planned.”
In all, he estimated, the racket netted the trio tens of thousands of dollars. Police say they have not identified all the victims, which probably number in the dozens.
“They're from all over the country.” Vascetti said of the duped. “One victim was from Massachusetts and another from Kentucky. We also know of victims in New Jersey and Tennessee.”
Police suspect the victims sent an average $700 to the defendants, believing they were going to get a boxer puppy, as advertised on Craigslist or through another website. But once the scammers got their hands on the money, the buyers got nothing.
Charged are Lawrence N. Francis, 27; Emmenuel Nkwate, 31; and Lawrence N. Tchakounte, 26. They all list the same Slippery Rock Township address — The Heights apartment complex — in court documents.
The defendants, all natives of Cameroon, are charged with operating a corrupt organization, conspiracy, theft, receiving stolen property, criminal use of a communization, all felonies.
To read more on this story, pick up Wednesday's edition of the Butler Eagle or subscribe to ButlerEagle.com.
