3 Ghanaian nationals extradited to U.S. over $100m romance scam, fraud scheme

The United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s New York Field Office, Christopher G. Raia, have announced the unsealing of an indictment charging four Ghanaian nationals in connection with an international criminal organisation accused of stealing more than $100 million through romance scams and business email compromises.

The defendants – Isaac Oduro Boateng (also known as “Kofi Boat”), Inusah Ahmed (also known as “Pascal”), Derrick Van Yeboah (also known as “Van”), and Patrick Kwame Asare (also known as “Borgar”) – allegedly played leading roles in the scheme.

Ghana has extradited Boateng, Ahmed, and Van Yeboah to the United States, where they arrived on August 7, 2025. They will appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger. Asare remains at large. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian.

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“As alleged, Isaac Oduro Boateng, Inusah Ahmed, Derrick van Yeboah, and Patrick Kwame Asare led and participated in an international fraud ring that engaged in a massive conspiracy to defraud vulnerable people and steal from businesses,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Offshore scammers should know that we, the FBI, and our law enforcement partners will work around the world to combat online fraud and bring perpetrators to justice.”

“The defendants have been brought to the United States to be held accountable for their alleged roles in scamming companies and vulnerable Americans out of over $100 million,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia.

“Deceiving businesses using email compromise campaigns and tricking innocent elderly victims through fraudulent companionship in order to exploit their trust and finances is not merely appalling but illegal. The FBI will continue to ensure anyone who preys on companies and vulnerable Americans online is made to face the criminal justice system.”

Details of the Allegations

According to the indictment, the four men were high-ranking members of a Ghana-based criminal network that targeted both individuals and businesses across the United States.

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Many victims were elderly men and women deceived into believing they were in online romantic relationships with fictitious identities created by the conspirators. Once trust was established, victims were persuaded to send money or help launder funds from other victims.

The group also carried out business email compromise schemes, deceiving companies into wiring funds directly to accounts controlled by the organisation. The total losses from the scheme exceeded $100 million.

Prosecutors allege that proceeds from these crimes were laundered to West Africa, primarily to individuals known as “chairmen”, who directed the conspiracy’s activities. Both Boateng and Ahmed are said to have held this leadership role.

Charges and Potential Sentences

Boateng, 36; Ahmed, 40; Van Yeboah, 40; and Asare, 39, all of Ghana, face the following charges:

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• One count of wire fraud conspiracy (maximum 20 years in prison)

• One count of wire fraud (maximum 20 years)

• One count of money laundering conspiracy (maximum 20 years)

• One count of conspiracy to receive stolen money (maximum 5 years)

• One count of receipt of stolen money (maximum 10 years)

These maximum penalties are set by Congress and are provided for informational purposes only; sentencing will be determined by a judge if convictions occur.

International Cooperation

U.S. authorities credited the Government of Ghana for its cooperation in the extradition process. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked closely with the International Cooperation Unit of the Office of the Attorney-General of Ghana.

Significant assistance was also provided by Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crime Office, the Ghana Police Service – INTERPOL, the Cyber Security Authority, and the National Intelligence Bureau.

The case is being prosecuted by the Southern District of New York’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Mead and Mitzi Steiner are leading the prosecution.