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- calendar_today October 10, 2026
New Brunswick Man Sentenced for Grandparent Scam in the United States
A man from Moncton, New Brunswick, has been sentenced to more than two and a half years in a U.S. prison following his participation in a grandparent scam that targeted American seniors. Paul Conneh, age 39, received a 33-month federal prison sentence according to a press release issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Vermont.
Details of the Criminal Scheme
Paul Conneh pleaded guilty in May to two charges: conspiring to commit wire fraud and conspiring to launder monetary instruments. The scheme, described as a grandparent scam, involved misleading elderly individuals into believing that their relatives were in urgent need of money, prompting the victims to send substantial funds to the perpetrators.
Recruitment and Cross-Border Activity
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Conneh orchestrated part of the conspiracy by recruiting bail bondsmen to travel into the United States. These bail bondsmen were then directed to collect money from the senior victims, launder the proceeds, and distribute the funds to other co-conspirators involved in the cross-border crime. The grandparent scam operated over a three-week period, from July to August 2023, and affected approximately 20 individuals.
Arrest, Extradition, and Sentencing
Following the investigation, Conneh was arrested in Costa Rica in January 2025. Subsequent to his arrest, he was extradited to the United States to face charges of conspiracy and financial fraud. In addition to the 33-month prison sentence, a U.S. District judge ordered Conneh to pay $256,000 in restitution to the senior victims involved in the case.
Implications of the Case
The sentencing underlines the serious consequences associated with conspiracy charges related to wire fraud and money laundering, especially when targeting vulnerable populations such as seniors. The coordinated effort between law enforcement agencies across borders led to Conneh’s arrest, extradition, and prosecution for his role in the scam.
Summary
Paul Conneh’s conviction and prison sentence represent a significant legal response to financial fraud schemes that exploit senior victims through deception and cross-border operations. The restitution payment ordered by the court aims to provide some compensation to those affected by the grandparent scam, highlighting the ongoing efforts to combat such criminal activities.
Source: halifax.citynews.ca.
