PORTLAND, Ore. — A 45-year-old Vancouver, Washington, man has pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud and money laundering charges after defrauding a Portland-area resident of more than $333,000 in a yearslong romance scam.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford announced Tuesday that Rithy Ham admitted to orchestrating the scheme, which took place between September 2020 and May 2024.
According to federal court documents, Ham created fake identities for two women and used the fabricated personas to convince the victim they needed financial assistance. Ham claimed the women needed money for living expenses, nursing school tuition and help escaping prostitution and sex trafficking.
Believing the women were real and in danger, the victim repeatedly sent money to help them.
Investigators say Ham communicated with the victim directly and through the fictional identities to maintain the deception.
In November 2022, Ham falsely claimed one of the women urgently needed money to escape sex trafficking. The victim transferred $36,872.35 in response. Ham later used part of that money to write an $18,500 check to his wife.
In another incident in March 2023, additional false claims persuaded the victim to withdraw and transfer $20,922 from a retirement account. The money was deposited into accounts controlled by Ham and his wife.
More Than $333,000 Stolen
Federal prosecutors say Ham ultimately stole $333,249.52 from the victim, with much of the money coming from the victim’s retirement savings.
Ham pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. Under the terms of his plea agreement, he acknowledged the facts supporting the charges and agreed to pay full restitution.
He also agreed to a forfeiture money judgment of $333,249.52.
Wire fraud carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, while money laundering carries a maximum sentence of 10 years. Both charges also carry potential financial penalties and supervised release.
Ham’s sentence will be determined by the federal court.
The FBI investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Bateman is prosecuting.
