Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
St. Louis, Missouri – Mercy Ojedeji, a 26-year-old Nigerian national, has been sentenced to 41 months in prison for orchestrating a complex scheme involving fraudulent student documents, Social Security fraud, and money mule operations. The case highlights the growing sophistication of international financial crimes and the risks posed to innocent victims.
Ojedeji, alongside co-conspirator Shirley Waller—who is serving 93 months for aiding online scammers—used a fraudulently opened bank account to funnel proceeds from Waller’s criminal activities to Nigeria. Investigators reported a total of 193 packages were sent to their shared residence, with at least $94,150 recovered, and the total intended loss exceeding $1 million.
The scam victimized individuals with fake narratives, such as a widowed orthopedic surgeon in Jordan pleading for funds. One victim lost $47,000, while another had their water cut off due to unpaid bills after sending money to the scammers.
Ojedeji pleaded guilty in April 2025 to unlawful use of fraudulent immigration documents and wire fraud. She obtained admission to the University of Missouri’s chemistry PhD program using counterfeit academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and English proficiency reports, securing a tuition waiver and stipend worth over $49,000. She then used the fraudulent documents to acquire a Social Security card, open a bank account, and rent an apartment.
After failing to attend classes, Ojedeji was terminated from the graduate program in January 2024, invalidating her visa. Nonetheless, she fraudulently obtained a Missouri driver’s license in February 2024, which was later used to facilitate further financial scams.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, FBI, and Town and Country Police Department, with prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Berry.
Inspector Ruth Mendonça, of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, emphasized the importance of the investigation:
> “Postal Inspectors investigate fraudsters who utilize the U.S. Mail to perpetuate financial schemes to defraud others in order to enrich themselves. Postal Inspectors seek justice for victims, including those most vulnerable.”
The case underscores the need for vigilance against international fraud schemes and highlights how seemingly legitimate student programs and financial systems can be exploited for criminal gain.
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