Four Ghanaians face US trial over alleged $100million Online Fraud

US authorities have charged four Ghanaian nationals in connection with a sprawling international fraud network accused of stealing more than $100 million through romance scams and business email compromise schemes.

The accused — Isaac Oduro Boateng, also known as “Kofi Boat,” Inusah Ahmed (“Pascal”), Derrick Van Yeboah (“Van”), and Patrick Kwame Asare (“Borgar”) — allegedly ran a sophisticated operation targeting both vulnerable individuals and unsuspecting businesses across the United States.

According to prosecutors, Boateng, Ahmed, and Van Yeboah were extradited from Ghana and arrived in the US on August 7, where they were arraigned before Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger in the Southern District of New York. Asare remains at large.

The indictment outlines how the group operated from Ghana, luring older Americans into fictitious online romantic relationships and persuading them to send money or help launder criminal proceeds. They also allegedly infiltrated corporate email systems to deceive companies into wiring large sums directly to accounts controlled by the network.

Funds obtained through these schemes were funneled back to West Africa under the direction of so-called “chairmen,” with Boateng and Ahmed identified as key leaders. The defendants, aged between 36 and 40, face charges including wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and receipt of stolen money — each carrying potential prison sentences of up to 20 years.

US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, condemned the scheme, warning that “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.”

FBI Assistant Director in Charge, Christopher G. Raia, described the crimes as “appalling and illegal,” adding that the bureau will continue to pursue those who prey on vulnerable Americans and exploit businesses through online deception.

The US Department of Justice credited Ghanaian law enforcement agencies — including the Economic and Organized Crime Office, INTERPOL, the Cyber Security Authority, and the National Intelligence Bureau — for their critical assistance in securing the extraditions.

The case is being prosecuted by the US Attorney’s Office Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit, with Assistant US Attorneys Kevin Mead and Mitzi Steiner leading the proceedings.