Accra: The US Department of Justice has announced a major indictment targeting an international criminal network involving Ghanaian nationals accused of conducting romance fraud schemes that exploited elderly victims across the United States.
According to Ghana Web, federal prosecutors in the case United States v Jamal Abubakari, et al. have charged three individuals-Jamal Abubakari, Kamal Abubakari, and Amanda Joy Opoku-Boachie-with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Money Laundering. These individuals, arrested in Virginia, allegedly used fake personas on dating sites and social media to entice victims into romantic relationships, subsequently convincing them to send money via wire transfers. The funds were then laundered through US accounts and distributed to co-conspirators in Ghana and other locations.
This indictment is part of a larger crackdown, coordinated under a single US District Judge, that has already seen multiple Ghana-linked conspiracies prosecuted. In United States v David Onyinye Abuanekwu, et al., several defendants have received significant prison sentences and restitution orders. Additional cases, such as United States v Otuo Amponsah, et al., underscore the extensive nature of these fraud operations, with several individuals receiving sentences and restitution orders totaling millions of dollars.
The investigation was led by the FBI Cleveland Division, with assistance from Ghanaian institutions, including the Attorney General's Office, Economic Organised Crime Office (EOCO), Ghana Police Service, and the Cyber Security Authority. US agencies such as Homeland Security Investigations and the DEA also contributed to the efforts. These prosecutions are part of the broader Elder Justice Initiative, which falls under the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act of 2017.