PLANO, Texas — Mark Aiseosa Kadiri, a student at Collin College in Plano, was arrested in connection with a financial fraud scheme that targeted a victim more than a thousand miles away in Virginia.
The investigation, which was carried out by the Collin County Sheriff's Office in collaboration with the Collin College Police Department and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia, uncovered a scam that led to the exploitation of a victim, totaling over $61,000 in fraudulent funds.
According to arrest documents, the crime began when Kadiri allegedly posed as country music star Blake Shelton online, targeting a victim in Virginia. The victim was led to believe they were corresponding with Shelton, who claimed to be unhappy and going through a divorce. The scammer, posing as the celebrity, convinced the victim that their finances were tied up due to the divorce and asked for money to be sent. In total, the victim made 23 separate transactions to the fraudulent "Shelton" totaling $61,000.
"If you actually believe that you're talking to a celebrity online or they're asking you to send them money, please understand that you are more than likely engaged in a fraud," said Assistant Deputy Chief Nick Bristow.
What makes this case even more bizarre is that Kadiri, according to arrest documents, requested payment in Roblox gift cards or Robux—a virtual currency used for online gaming.
"Unfortunately we are seeing more and more of this with these types of scams targeting our elderly population. This person, this victim, actually believed they were talking to Blake Shelton," said Bristow.
According to arrest documents, authorities were able to track the fraud to a computer and IP address coming from the Collin College campus. Kadiri was arrested on the Collin College campus, where he was attending school. Collin County Sheriff Jim Skinner emphasized the office’s commitment to combating such frauds, stating, “If you are engaging in this type of crime, we will find you and we will arrest you.”
This arrest serves as a reminder of the growing risks of online scams, particularly those targeting vulnerable populations like the elderly. Authorities urge the public to be cautious when interacting with individuals online, especially those claiming to be celebrities or asking for money.
Kadiri is facing a third-degree felony and is currently in the Collin County Jail.