The US Department of Justice has unveiled a sweeping indictment targeting an international criminal network accused of orchestrating romance fraud schemes that preyed on elderly victims across America.
The announcement comes amid heightened scrutiny of Ghanaian nationals abroad, following the recent arrest of Asante Akyem North MP, Ohene Kwame Frimpong, in the Netherlands.
According to the US Department of Justice news report on May 14, 2026, Federal prosecutors in United States v Jamal Abubakari, et al. charged three individuals with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Money Laundering:
Jamal Abubakari, 22, aka Arrangement
Kamal Abubakari, 22, aka Lancaster
Amanda Joy Opoku-Boachie, 53, aka Amanda Joy Glum
All three were arrested in Virginia and remain in custody. Prosecutors allege that between July 2024 and April 2026, the defendants used fake personas on dating sites and social media to lure victims into romantic relationships, then convinced them to send money via wire transfers.
Funds were laundered through US accounts and distributed to co-conspirators in Ghana and elsewhere.
This indictment is part of a broader crackdown coordinated under one US District Judge, with multiple Ghana-linked conspiracies already prosecuted:
Frederick Kumi and Daniel Yussif, both 31, charged in December 2025.
In United States v David Onyinye Abuanekwu, et al., several defendants have already been sentenced:
Dwayne Asafo Adjei – 71 months, restitution of $372,943
Nancy Adom – 71 months, restitution of $1,079,559
Eric Aidoo – 71 months, restitution of $668,228
Nader Wasif – 12 months for obstruction of justice
In United States v Otuo Amponsah, et al.:
Otuo Amponsah – 108 months, restitution of $3,324,675
Anna Amponsah – 108 months, restitution of $1,444,639
Portia Joe – 51 months, restitution of $2,035,438
Hannah Adom – 71 months, restitution of $278,894
Several others, including Kelvin Asmah and Abdoul Issaka Assimiou, remain pending trial or sentencing.
The investigation was spearheaded by the FBI Cleveland Division, with support from Ghanaian institutions such as the Attorney General’s Office, Economic Organised Crime Office (EOCO), Ghana Police Service and the Cyber Security Authority, alongside US agencies including Homeland Security Investigations and the DEA.
These prosecutions fall under the Elder Justice Initiative, part of the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act of 2017.
The programme focuses on combating scams and financial fraud targeting America’s elderly population.