Man Accused Of Exploiting Pittsburghers In Romanian Puppy Scam Pleads Guilty
By: KDKA-TV News Staff
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A man originally from Cameroon accused of running a Romanian puppy scam has pleaded guilty.
Desmond Bobga pleaded guilty Wednesday to defrauding online shoppers, including a woman from the Pittsburgh area.
He was extradited to the United States. He had been living in Romania.
Prosecutors say he and others created the since-deleted lovelyhappypuppy.com and accepted cash for dogs but never delivered the animals. Prosecutors say the scam used COVID-19 as an emotional weapon.
Prosecutors say a victim in New Brighton lost $9,100 after being told the puppy was to be shipped, needed insurance and was exposed to COVID-19. Three other victims were in Pittsburgh, Marion Center and Cheswick.
Bobga will be sentenced next year.