Two Ghanaian brothers charged in the US over romance scam

Two Ghanaian brothers and a U.S.-based woman have been indicted in Ohio over an alleged romance fraud scheme targeting elderly Americans.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio, the suspects allegedly operated a criminal network that deceived victims through dating websites and social media platforms.

The accused are identified as Jamal Abubakari, also known as “Arrangement,” his twin brother Kamal Abubakari, also known as “Lancaster,” both aged 22, and 53-year-old Amanda Joy Opoku-Boachie. Prosecutors said all three were arrested in Virginia and remain in custody pending further court proceedings.

Court documents allege that between July 2024 and April 2026, the defendants and their associates created fake online identities to build emotional and romantic relationships with mostly elderly victims in the United States.

Investigators say the victims were manipulated with fabricated stories and persuaded to transfer money into accounts controlled by members of the conspiracy. Portions of the funds were allegedly forwarded to accomplices in Ghana and other locations.

The indictment charges the three suspects with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office noted that the case forms part of a wider investigation into romance fraud operations linked to Ghana. Several related prosecutions have already resulted in convictions and prison sentences in the United States.

Authorities disclosed that nine defendants connected to similar schemes have collectively been sentenced to about 50 years in prison after pleading guilty in separate cases.

Among those previously convicted are Ghanaian nationals Dwayne Asafo Adjei and Otuo Amponsah, alongside several U.S.-based accomplices, who received prison terms ranging from 51 to 108 months for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.

The investigation was led by the FBI Cleveland Division with support from both U.S. and Ghanaian agencies, including the Ghana Police Service, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the Cyber Security Authority, the Financial Intelligence Centre and the FBI Legal Attaché Office in Accra.

U.S. prosecutors stressed that an indictment is only an allegation and that all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.