Two Ghanaian brothers and a U.S.-based woman have been indicted in the United States over their alleged involvement in an international romance fraud and money laundering network accused of targeting elderly Americans through online dating platforms and social media.
According to U.S. federal prosecutors, the accused allegedly operated fraudulent schemes that convinced victims to send large sums of money under false romantic pretences, with portions of the funds reportedly transferred to co-conspirators in Ghana and other countries.
The indictment, recently unsealed in United States v. Jamal Abubakari, et al., charges Jamal Abubakari, Kamal Abubakari and Amanda Joy Opoku-Boachie with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.
The three defendants were arrested in Virginia and remain in custody pending further court proceedings.
Alleged Romance Fraud Network
Prosecutors allege that between July 2024 and April 2026, the defendants and their associates used fake identities to establish emotional and romantic relationships with vulnerable victims, many of them elderly Americans.
Investigators say the scheme relied heavily on dating websites and social media platforms where victims were manipulated through fabricated personal stories and requests for financial assistance.
According to the indictment, victims transferred money to financial accounts allegedly controlled by members of the conspiracy, after which portions of the funds were distributed to accomplices in Ghana and elsewhere.
Authorities believe the network formed part of a broader international fraud operation that has already led to multiple prosecutions in the United States.
Multiple Ghana-Linked Cases
The latest indictment is connected to a wider series of federal cases involving suspects linked to Ghana. U.S. authorities said several related prosecutions have been assigned to one federal judge to coordinate proceedings.
While a number of defendants are still awaiting trial or sentencing, nine individuals connected to earlier cases have already pleaded guilty and collectively received prison sentences totaling approximately 50 years.
In a separate case, United States v. Frederick Kumi, et al., Frederick Kumi of Swedru and Daniel Yussif of Accra were charged in December 2025 with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy.
Another case, United States v. David Onyinye Abuanekwu, et al., resulted in prison sentences for several defendants after guilty pleas were entered.
Among those sentenced was Dwayne Asafo Adjei, who received 71 months in prison and was ordered to pay more than $372,000 in restitution.
Nancy Adom and Eric Aidoo also received prison terms of 71 months each alongside substantial restitution orders.
Ongoing Investigations and Sentencing
Federal prosecutors also disclosed that Kelvin Asmah was recently arrested under a second superseding indictment tied to the wider investigation.
In another related prosecution, United States v. Otuo Amponsah, et al., multiple defendants received lengthy prison terms after pleading guilty to fraud and money laundering conspiracy charges.
Otuo Amponsah and Anna Amponsah were both sentenced to 108 months in prison, while Portia Joe received 51 months.
U.S. authorities stated that sentencing in the ongoing cases would depend on several factors, including criminal history, individual roles within the alleged schemes and the extent of financial losses suffered by victims.
The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Cleveland Division with support from the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.
The case adds to growing international scrutiny over cyber-enabled financial crimes and romance fraud schemes that increasingly target vulnerable individuals through online platforms.
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