American businessman Marco Antonio Ramirez has been sentenced to 68 years in prison by a Lagos court for defrauding Nigerians of $1.6 million through a fraudulent visa investment scheme.

Justice Mojisola Dada delivered the ruling, convicting Ramirez on 16 counts, including obtaining money by false pretence and stealing. Ramirez, through his companies, deceived victims into investing in the U.S. EB-5 Investor Program, falsely promising them green cards.

The case was prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which expressed satisfaction with the judgment, calling it a victory for financial crime victims.