Ghanaian nationals indicted in U.S. over alleged romance fraud schemes targeting elderly victims

Ghanaian nationals were indicted in the United States over their alleged involvement in an international romance fraud and money laundering network accused of targeting elderly Americans through online dating platforms and social media. The indictment, recently unsealed in the case titled United States v. Jamal Abubakari, et al., charges the three with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. Prosecutors allege that between July 2024 and April 2026, the defendants and their associates used fake online identities to establish close personal relationships - often romantic in nature - with elderly victims across the United States.

The accused persons were identified as Jamal Abubakari, also known as Jamal Abubakar and "Arrangement", aged 22; his brother Kamal Abubakari, also known as Kamal Abubakar and "Lancaster", aged 22; and Amanda Joy Opoku-Boachie, aged 53, who is also known as Amanda Joy Glum and Amanda Joy Kessei Bierman. The three suspects were arrested in Virginia and remain in custody pending further court proceedings. The U.S. Attorney's Office said the case forms part of a broader crackdown on organised romance fraud operations linked to Ghana and involving elderly victims in the United States.

The latest indictment is one of several interconnected cases currently before a U.S. District Court in Ohio involving alleged Ghana-linked fraud conspiracies. Nine defendants connected to related investigations have already pleaded guilty and collectively received approximately 50 years in prison sentences. Dwayne Asafo Adjei, a Ghanaian national, was sentenced to 71 months in prison and ordered to pay more than $372,000 in restitution. Nancy Adom received a 71-month prison sentence and was ordered to pay over $1 million in restitution, and Eric Aidoo was