Two Ghanaian brothers and a U.S.-based woman have been indicted in the United States over their alleged involvement in a romance fraud and money laundering scheme targeting elderly Americans through online dating platforms and social media.
The accused persons — Jamal Abubakari, also known as “Arrangement,” his twin brother Kamal Abubakari, also known as “Lancaster,” and Amanda Joy Opoku-Boachie — have been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.
According to U.S. court documents, the suspects were arrested in Virginia and remain in custody pending further court proceedings.
Prosecutors allege that between July 2024 and April 2026, the accused used fake online identities to build romantic relationships with elderly victims before manipulating them into transferring money into accounts controlled by the syndicate.
Authorities say portions of the funds were later transferred to accomplices in Ghana and other countries.
The case forms part of a wider U.S. crackdown on romance fraud networks with alleged links to Ghana.
American prosecutors say several related cases involving Ghanaian nationals have already resulted in convictions and lengthy prison sentences.
In one of the related cases, Frederick Kumi, also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng or “Abu Trica,” and Daniel Yussif, also known as “Denteni” or “Slab,” were charged in December 2025 with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.
U.S. authorities also disclosed that several other suspects linked to similar fraud schemes have already pleaded guilty and received prison sentences.
Among them is Dwayne Asafo Adjei, who was sentenced to 71 months in prison, while Otuo Amponsah received a 108-month jail term and was ordered to pay more than 3.3 million dollars in restitution.
The investigation was led by the FBI’s Cleveland Division with support from Ghanaian and U.S. agencies, including the Economic and Organised Crime Office, the Ghana Police Service, the Cyber Security Authority and the Ghana Immigration Service.
U.S. prosecutors say the prosecutions are part of the Elder Justice Initiative Programme aimed at combating financial scams targeting elderly people.
Authorities stressed that under U.S. law, an indictment is only an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
