Two Ghanaian brothers indicted in U.S. romance fraud case

Two Ghanaian brothers and a U.S.-based woman have been indicted in the United States over their alleged involvement in a romance fraud and money laundering scheme that reportedly targeted elderly Americans through online dating platforms and social media.

The accused, Jamal Abubakari, also known as “Arrangement,” his brother Kamal Abubakari, also known as “Lancaster,” and Amanda Joy Opoku-Boachie, were charged in a U.S. federal indictment with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.

According to U.S. court documents, the three suspects were arrested in Virginia and remain in custody pending further court proceedings.

Prosecutors allege that between July 2024 and April 2026, the accused and their associates used fake online identities to build romantic relationships with elderly victims on dating websites and social media platforms. Victims were allegedly manipulated into transferring money into accounts controlled by members of the network.

Authorities say part of the funds was later transferred to accomplices in Ghana and other countries.

The case forms part of a broader U.S. crackdown on romance fraud syndicates with links to Ghana. American prosecutors say several related cases involving Ghanaian suspects have already led to convictions and lengthy prison sentences.

In one of the related cases, Frederick Kumi, also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng or “Abu Trica,” and Daniel Yussif, also known as “Denteni” or “Slab,” were charged in December 2025 with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. Kumi is from Swedru, while Yussif is from Accra.

U.S. authorities also disclosed that several other individuals linked to similar fraud schemes have already pleaded guilty and received prison sentences.

Among them is Dwayne Asafo Adjei, a Ghanaian national sentenced to 71 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution.

Another defendant, Otuo Amponsah, was sentenced to 108 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay more than $3.3 million in restitution.

The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Cleveland Division, with support from several Ghanaian and U.S. agencies, including the Economic and Organised Crime Office, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Cyber Security Authority, and the Ghana Immigration Service.

U.S. prosecutors said the prosecutions are part of efforts under the Elder Justice Initiative Programme, which focuses on combating financial scams and fraud schemes targeting elderly people.

Under U.S. law, an indictment is only an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.