Fraudster Sentenced for Elder Scam in Burlington
A Canadian man received 33 months in prison for his role in a grandparent scam that targeted elderly victims.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Financial Crime
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United States District Judge William K. Sessions III has sentenced 39-year-old Paul Conneh to 33 months in prison for his participation in a grandparent scam. The court also ordered Conneh to pay $256,000 in restitution to the approximately 20 elderly Americans victimized by the scheme.
Why it matters
The sentencing concludes a multi-national effort to hold accountable those responsible for exploiting elderly victims through wire fraud and money laundering. The case underscores the serious legal consequences for international actors involved in sophisticated grandparent scams.
Paul Conneh was sentenced to a 33-month prison term following his guilty plea for wire fraud and money laundering. He is currently under court order to pay $256,000 in restitution.
The players
Paul Conneh
The 39-year-old defendant from Moncton, New Brunswick, who orchestrated a cross-border fraud scheme.
William K. Sessions III
The United States District Judge who presided over the case and delivered the sentencing in Burlington.
The details
Conneh, a resident of Moncton, New Brunswick, orchestrated the scam by recruiting bail bondsmen to travel within the United States to collect funds. He laundered the proceeds from the elderly victims and distributed the remaining money to his co-conspirators.
Timeline
July and August 2023: Conneh participated in the grandparent scam.
January 23, 2025: Conneh was arrested in Costa Rica.
December 2025: Conneh was extradited to the United States.
May 28, 2026: Conneh pleaded guilty to fraud and money laundering.
October 6, 2026: Conneh was sentenced to 33 months in prison.
Legal Context
The sentence imposed follows the established framework of the federal sentencing guidelines for wire fraud and money laundering. This case reflects broader efforts by federal authorities to prosecute international actors involved in domestic fraud rings.
This sentencing serves as a reminder to residents regarding the dangers of grandparent scams, which often involve high-pressure tactics and requests for emergency funds. Authorities continue to advise the public to verify the identity of callers requesting money for bail or other emergencies.
The takeaway
To protect yourself from similar scams, always independently verify any emergency request for money by contacting a known family member directly. Never provide sensitive financial information or cash to individuals claiming to be bail bondsmen without prior verification.
Further reading
For more information on legal actions taken against fraud schemes, visit the Financial Crime section.
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Should federal courts increase sentencing for those convicted of running grandparent scams?
