A group of three people pleaded guilty to a $9 million romance scam targeting elderly victims. They now face up to 20 years in prison.
Two twin brothers from Ghana and a woman from Hawaii pleaded guilty to fraud. They participated in a large international criminal network. The group targeted elderly victims on dating websites and social media platforms.
Also, the scammers created fake identities to build fake romantic relationships. They convinced victims to send large amounts of money to bank accounts in Ghana. This scam operated from July 2024 until April 2026.
Next, the victims lost a total of $9 million during this period. Many people lived in Ohio, but others lived across 24 different states. Some victims even resided in Germany and Austria.
Then, the court identified the defendants as Jamal Abubakari, Kamal Abubakari, and Amanda Joy Opoku-Boachie. The twins are 22 years old. Amanda Joy Opoku-Boachie is 53 years old.
However, these individuals face up to 20 years in prison for their crimes. The judge will sentence them next year. They also agreed to forfeit seized jewelry, including luxury watches and rings.
After that, investigators noted that the group used various aliases. These names helped them hide their true identities from the people they contacted. Authorities found these items during the arrests.
Meanwhile, United States officials are working harder to stop these criminal networks. They focus on groups operating between West Africa and the United States. Many of these scams specifically target elderly Americans.
Finally, FBI Director Kash Patel recently announced hundreds of new arrests. They successfully dismantled a major scam center in Ghana. Officials continue to pursue those who steal money using false medical emergencies.