Two Ghanaian nationals, Oduro Boateng, popularly known as Kofi Boat, and Inusah Ahmed, also known as Pascal, have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud before a federal court in New York, United States.
The two men were identified by US prosecutors as leading figures in an international fraud network accused of stealing and laundering more than $100 million from victims across the United States, including several vulnerable elderly people.
According to prosecutors, Pascal, 41, entered his guilty plea on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, while Kofi Boat, 37, pleaded guilty on Thursday, October 29, 2026.
Ghanaian Fraud Suspects Face Up to 20 Years in US Prison
Kofi Boat and Pascal were extradited from Ghana to the United States on August 7, 2025, to face charges relating to their alleged involvement in the international financial fraud operation.
Following their guilty pleas, each man faces a maximum possible prison sentence of 20 years.
Prosecutors attributed approximately $12.5 million in financial losses to Kofi Boat, while Pascal was held responsible for about $28.5 million in losses suffered by victims.
Together, the two defendants have agreed to pay more than $41 million in restitution and forfeit corresponding amounts as part of the financial penalties connected to the case.
How the $100 Million International Fraud Network Operated
US prosecutors disclosed that the criminal network employed several sophisticated online fraud schemes to defraud individuals and businesses across the United States.
One of its methods involved romance scams, through which members allegedly created fake identities and posed as romantic partners on the internet to gain victims’ trust before stealing their money.
The network also operated business email compromise (BEC) schemes, a form of cybercrime in which fraudsters manipulate business communications to deceive individuals and organisations into transferring money into fraudulent accounts.
Prosecutors further alleged that proceeds from the fraudulent activities were laundered and transferred to West Africa to conceal their origins and complicate efforts to trace the stolen funds.
US Authorities Intensify Fight Against International Cybercrime
The guilty pleas represent a significant development in the prosecution of an international fraud operation accused of targeting victims through online romance scams, financial deception and business email compromise.
The case also highlights growing concerns about cybercrime, money laundering, identity theft and online financial scams targeting vulnerable individuals, particularly elderly people.
With both defendants now admitting guilt to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, attention will turn to their sentencing and the recovery of funds lost by victims.
The case serves as a reminder of the increasing threat posed by international cybercrime networks and the importance of strengthening cooperation between law enforcement agencies in Ghana, the United States and other countries.
Source: newsthemegh.com