Twin brothers from Ghana and an American woman have pleaded guilty to their involvement in an international romance scam network that defrauded victims of more than $9 million.
The defendants, Jamal Abubakari, 22, also known as Jamal Abubakar and Arrangement, and his twin brother, Kamal Abubakari, 22, also known as Kamal Abubakar and Lancaster, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud on October 13, 2026. Their alleged accomplice, Amanda Joy Opoku-Boachie, 53, of Hawaii, pleaded guilty to the same charge on October 20, 2026.
According to US court documents, the criminal network operated between July 2024 and April 2026, targeting older Americans through dating websites and social media platforms. The suspects allegedly created fake identities and developed romantic relationships with victims to gain their trust before convincing them to send money through wire transfers.
Investigators said the victims included residents of Ohio and 24 other US states, as well as Germany and Austria. Some of the stolen funds were allegedly transferred to members of the criminal network in Ghana and other locations.
The total financial losses exceeded $9 million, making the case one of the significant international romance fraud investigations involving victims across multiple jurisdictions.
Luxury Items to Be Forfeited
As part of their guilty pleas, the three defendants agreed to forfeit jewellery and other valuable items seized during their arrests. The items reportedly included luxury watches, rings, chains, medallions and earrings.
The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Cleveland Division, with support from the US Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and several law enforcement agencies in Ghana and the United States.
Ghanaian agencies that assisted included the Attorney General’s Office, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the Ghana Police Service, the Cyber Security Authority and the Financial Intelligence Centre, among others.
Defendants Face Up to 20 Years in Prison
Each defendant faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if convicted at sentencing. A federal district court judge will determine the final punishment after considering the US Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant legal factors.
The sentencing hearing for the Abubakari brothers is scheduled for February 9, 2027, while Opoku-Boachie is expected to be sentenced on February 10, 2027.
The prosecution forms part of the US Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative, which seeks to combat elder abuse, financial exploitation and fraud targeting older people.
The case highlights the growing threat of online romance scams and the importance of exercising caution when forming relationships with strangers on dating websites and social media. Authorities continue to encourage the public to verify online identities and avoid sending money to individuals they have never met or independently verified.
Source: newsthemegh.com