A Nigerian national was sentenced to 151 months in prison last week for instrumenting various advance-fee scams that lead to losses of over $1.3 million.

Okpako Mike Diamreyan, 31, of Nigeria was found guilty by a jury in Connecticut back in February of three counts of wire fraud stemming from his activity as an Internet scammer.

For five years, between August 2004 and August 2009, Diamreyan and his accomplices instrumented several advance-fee scams against numerous U.S. nationals, as well as citizens of other countries.

Known as 419 or Nigerian scam letters, the type of fraud that Diamreyan perpetrated involves tricking people into sending money under the promise of a larger sum in return.

Under different aliases, including Prince Nana Kamokai of Sierra Leone, General Odu Kuffour of Ghana or Rev. Dr. Richard Camaro, the scammer sent emails claiming to have a "consignment" in Ghana of between $11 million and $23 million.

The messages asked recepients for help to move the alleged money to the United States in exchange for a hefty 20% commission, an operation which required paying various fees.

Diamreyan used forged documents to persuade 67 victims that the money existed and convince them to send funds totaling over $1.3 million.

The 151-month prison sentence was delivered by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in Bridgeport, who also ordered the Nigerian man to pay $1,021,560.74 in restitution.

"This defendant and his accomplices preyed on vulnerable victims in Connecticut, the United States and around the world, leaving many individuals and their families in financial ruin," David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, said.

"The lengthy prison term imposed today should send a strong message to others who intend to commit similar crimes – we will pursue these cases wherever they lead us and bring you to justice," he added.