Ghanaian brothers, U.S.-based woman indicted in alleged romance fraud targeting elderly Americans

Two Ghanaian brothers and a woman based in the United States have been indicted over their alleged involvement in a sophisticated international romance fraud network accused of targeting elderly Americans through dating websites, social media platforms, and online messaging applications.

According to a newly unsealed indictment in the case of United States v. Jamal Abubakari et al., the accused individuals are Jamal Abubakari, also known as Jamal Abubakar and “Arrangement”; Kamal Abubakari, also known as Kamal Abubakar and “Lancaster”; and Amanda Joy Opoku-Boachie, who allegedly used aliases including Amanda Joy Glum and Amanda Joy Kessei Bierman.

U.S. authorities confirmed that all three suspects were arrested in Virginia and remain in custody pending further court proceedings.

Federal prosecutors allege that between July 2024 and April 2026, the accused conspired with several others to orchestrate romance scams by creating fake online identities and posing as romantic partners to emotionally manipulate victims. Investigators say the alleged scheme primarily targeted elderly Americans, many of whom were vulnerable and isolated individuals seeking companionship online.

According to court documents, the suspects allegedly built trust with victims over extended periods through fabricated stories, emotional conversations, and false promises of relationships or financial hardship. Once trust had been established, victims were reportedly persuaded to send large sums of money through wire transfers to bank accounts controlled by members of the fraud network.

Authorities further allege that portions of the stolen funds were transferred to accomplices in Ghana and other international locations as part of a broader money laundering operation designed to conceal the origins of the proceeds.

The indictment charges the accused persons with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, offences that carry potentially severe prison sentences under U.S. federal law if convictions are secured.

U.S. officials say the case forms part of an ongoing crackdown on alleged Ghana-linked cybercrime and romance fraud syndicates accused of exploiting elderly victims across the United States. Law enforcement agencies have intensified investigations into transnational online fraud schemes in recent years as losses linked to romance scams continue to rise globally.

Several related investigations have already resulted in convictions and lengthy prison terms. In one previously announced case, Frederick Kumi, also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng and Abu Trica, together with Daniel Yussif, also known as Denteni and Slab, were charged in December 2025 with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy.

Other defendants connected to separate but related fraud schemes have reportedly received prison sentences ranging from 12 months to 108 months after pleading guilty in U.S. federal courts.

The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Cleveland Division with support from several American and Ghanaian institutions, including the Economic and Organised Crime Office, Ghana Police Service, Cyber Security Authority, Ghana Immigration Service, and the FBI Legal Attaché Office in Accra.

The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian M. McDonough and Elliot Morrison for the Northern District of Ohio.

Authorities emphasized that an indictment is only a formal allegation and that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

The case also forms part of the U.S. Department of Justice Elder Justice Initiative, a federal program focused on combating elder abuse, financial exploitation, cyber fraud, and scams targeting older citizens across the United States.