Two Ghanaian brothers and a woman based in the United States have been indicted over their alleged involvement in a romance fraud and money laundering network accused of targeting elderly victims across the United States.
According to U.S. prosecutors, the suspects — Jamal Abubakari, also known as “Arrangement,” Kamal Abubakari, also known as “Lancaster,” both aged 22, and 53-year-old Amanda Joy Opoku-Boachie — were arrested in Virginia and remain in custody pending further court proceedings.
Court documents allege that between July 2024 and April 2026, the accused used fake identities on dating websites and social media platforms to establish romantic relationships with mostly elderly Americans. Prosecutors say victims were manipulated through fabricated stories and persuaded to transfer money into accounts controlled by members of the syndicate, with portions of the funds allegedly routed to accomplices in Ghana and other countries.
The trio has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. U.S. authorities say the case forms part of a broader crackdown on transnational romance fraud schemes linked to Ghana.
The indictment is connected to several ongoing federal cases involving similar fraud operations. U.S. prosecutors disclosed that at least nine defendants tied to related conspiracies have already pleaded guilty and collectively received nearly 50 years in prison sentences.
Among those previously charged are Frederick Kumi, also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng and “Abu Trica,” from Swedru, and Daniel Yussif, also known as “Denteni” and “Slab,” from Accra, who were indicted in December 2025 on conspiracy and money laundering charges.
In another related case, several individuals, including Ghanaian national Dwayne Asafo Adjei, were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 51 to 108 months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. Millions of dollars in restitution were also ordered by the courts.
U.S. authorities said investigations into the alleged schemes were led by the FBI Cleveland Division with support from multiple agencies in both the United States and Ghana, including the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), Ghana Police Service, Ghana Cyber Security Authority, and the FBI Legal Attaché Office in Accra.
Prosecutors noted that if convicted, the defendants’ sentences would depend on several factors, including criminal history, level of involvement, and the nature of the offences.
