Two Ghanaian nationals have admitted their involvement in a transnational fraud syndicate responsible for defrauding victims in the United States of more than US$100 million through online romance schemes and corporate email scams.
The accused, 37-year-old Isaac Oduro Boateng, popularly known as “Kofi Boat”, and 41-year-old Inusah Ahmed, alias “Pascal”, entered guilty pleas before a US federal court for conspiring to commit wire fraud.
According to the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, Boateng admitted the offence on October 30, 2026, while Ahmed entered his plea three days earlier, on October 27.
Both individuals face a potential 20-year jail term for their involvement in the criminal operation, which was largely coordinated from Ghana and targeted numerous American residents and businesses.
Court documents revealed that the syndicate relied on deceptive online relationships and business email compromise tactics to obtain money unlawfully.
Under the romance fraud arrangement, perpetrators established fictitious online identities and approached unsuspecting individuals, presenting themselves as genuine partners seeking emotional connections.
The operation frequently preyed on elderly and emotionally vulnerable Americans, gradually building relationships before convincing them to send substantial sums of money. In certain instances, victims were unknowingly recruited to move illicit proceeds on behalf of the group.
Separately, the perpetrators infiltrated business communications through fraudulent emails, tricking companies into depositing funds into bank accounts operated by the network.
Investigations established that proceeds from the schemes were subsequently concealed through money-laundering activities before being channelled to West Africa.
Boateng and Ahmed reportedly occupied senior leadership positions, overseeing and coordinating various aspects of the organisation’s activities.
Prosecutors attributed approximately US$12.5 million in financial damage to Boateng, while Ahmed was linked to losses estimated at US$28.5 million.
Under their respective plea agreements, both defendants accepted financial obligations covering compensation for affected individuals and the surrender of illegally obtained assets.
Boateng agreed to pay US$12,529,213.98 in restitution, alongside an identical amount in forfeiture. Ahmed accepted liability for US$28,574,002 under each category.
The combined restitution commitment stands at US$41.1 million, with a corresponding forfeiture obligation of the same value.
Meanwhile, another Ghanaian identified as Derrick Van Yeboah, also called “Van”, has already been convicted and sentenced to 85 months behind bars for participating in the conspiracy.
However, Patrick Kwame Asare, who goes by “Borgar” and is alleged to have been involved in the scheme, remains a fugitive, according to American prosecutors.
US Attorney Jamie McDonald said the convictions underscored Washington’s determination to pursue individuals involved in financial crimes, regardless of where they operate.
He explained that the two Ghanaians helped manage an extensive criminal enterprise that exploited Americans seeking companionship, turning personal relationships into opportunities for large-scale financial deception.
Although Boateng and Ahmed each face a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment, prosecutors clarified that the statutory limit does not represent an automatic sentence.
The final punishment will be determined by the presiding judge after considering the circumstances of the case.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong