A woman accused of traveling across the U.S. claiming to be an Irish heiress and scamming several victims out of tens of thousands of dollars has been extradited to the United Kingdom, a U.S. official said Tuesday.
Marianne Smyth faces allegations that she stole more than $170,000 from the victims from 2008 to 2010 in Northern Ireland.
A U.S. magistrate judge in Maine ruled in May that there was sufficient evidence for extradition of the American, who accusers say has also fashioned herself as a witch, a psychic and a friend to Hollywood stars.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Justice confirmed the extradition, and referred questions to law enforcement officials in Northern Ireland. An attorney for Smyth did not immediately respond to an email requesting comment.
Authorities overseas have said Smyth stole money that she had promised to invest and also arranged to sell a victim a home but instead took the money. Smyth’s victims in the U.S. included Johnathan Walton, a podcaster who warned others about her grifts.
A court in Northern Ireland issued arrest warrants for her earlier this decade. She was arrested in Maine in February.
Smyth drew comparisons to Anna Sorokin, a scammer who impersonated a German heiress to pay for a glamorous lifestyle in New York City, and became subject of a Netflix series. Sorokin, whose real name is Anna Delvey, was convicted in 2019 of conning $275,000 from banks, hotels and swank New Yorkers to finance her deluxe lifestyle.
An Irish heiress impersonator has been extradited to the UK to face charges of scamming individuals out of thousands of pounds. The woman, who has not been named, allegedly posed as a wealthy heiress in order to gain the trust of her victims and convince them to invest in various business ventures.
The scheme reportedly began when the woman started attending high society events in London, where she would introduce herself as a member of a prominent Irish family with vast wealth. She would regale her new acquaintances with stories of her luxurious lifestyle and expensive possessions, leading many to believe that she was indeed a wealthy heiress.
Using her newfound persona, the woman allegedly convinced several individuals to invest large sums of money in various business ventures, promising high returns on their investments. However, it soon became apparent that the investments were nothing more than a scam, and the victims never saw a return on their money.
After being caught by authorities in Ireland, the woman was extradited to the UK to face charges of fraud and deception. The case has garnered significant attention in both countries, with many shocked at the audacity of the woman’s actions.
This case serves as a reminder to always be cautious when approached by individuals claiming to be wealthy or influential. It is important to thoroughly research any investment opportunities and verify the credentials of those involved before committing any money.
The extradition of the Irish heiress impersonator to the UK highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating financial crimes. Authorities in both countries worked together to bring the woman to justice, sending a clear message that fraudulent behavior will not be tolerated.
As the case moves forward, it will be interesting to see how the legal system in the UK handles this complex and high-profile fraud case. In the meantime, individuals are urged to remain vigilant and exercise caution when approached by individuals promising quick and easy returns on investments.
