FBI Extradites Ghanaian Fraud Ring Leaders in $100 Million Global Scam Crackdown

August 9, 2025

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Introduction: A Global Online Fraud Network Unraveled

Ghanaian online fraud ring – In a dramatic transatlantic law enforcement operation, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, alongside FBI New York Field Office Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia, announced the unsealing of a federal indictment against four Ghanaian nationals accused of orchestrating a sweeping international fraud scheme. The operation is said to have stolen over $100 million from victims through romance scams and business email compromise schemes.

Three of the accused: Isaac Oduro Boateng, 36, also known as “Kofi Boat,” Inusah Ahmed, 40, also known as “Pascal,” and Derrick Van Yeboah, 40, also known as “Van” — were extradited from Ghana to the United States on August 7, 2025. They are scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger. The fourth suspect, Patrick Kwame Asare, 39, also known as “Borgar,” remains at large.

FBI and U.S. Attorney Issue Strong Warning

“As alleged, these defendants led and participated in an international fraud ring that preyed on vulnerable individuals and targeted businesses through deception,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “This case should serve as a warning to offshore scammers, we will work relentlessly with our partners worldwide to track you down and bring you to justice.”

FBI Assistant Director Christopher G. Raia echoed the sentiment, calling the crimes “both appalling and illegal,” adding, “These defendants manipulated companies and emotionally exploited elderly victims in order to line their own pockets. The FBI will continue to pursue anyone who engages in such schemes, no matter where they hide.”

How the $100 Million Fraud Scheme Worked

According to the indictment, the accused were high-ranking members of a Ghana-based criminal enterprise engaged in large-scale online scams

1. Romance Scams Targeting the Vulnerable

Ghanaian online fraud ring – Many victims were older adults who believed they had found genuine companionship online. In reality, the people they were speaking to were using fake identities created by members of the conspiracy. Once trust was established, victims were manipulated into sending money or assisting in laundering illicit funds from other victims.

2. Business Email Compromise (BEC) Attacks

Ghanaian online fraud ring – The group also executed sophisticated BEC scams, deceiving businesses into transferring large sums of money to accounts controlled by the fraud network. These attacks often involved impersonating company executives or suppliers to trick employees into authorizing wire transfers.

From the U.S. to West Africa: The Money Trail

Investigators allege that once the funds were stolen, they were laundered and moved to West Africa. A significant portion of the illicit proceeds reportedly ended up in the hands of individuals known as “chairmen,” who directed and financed the group’s criminal activities.

Both Boateng and Ahmed are described as chairmen within the organization, overseeing operations and managing the distribution of proceeds.

Serious Federal Charges and Potential Sentences

The defendants face multiple federal charges:

Wire Fraud Conspiracy – Maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Wire Fraud – Maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Money Laundering Conspiracy – Maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Conspiracy to Receive Stolen Money – Maximum sentence of 5 years in prison.

Receipt of Stolen Money – Maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

While these maximum penalties are set by Congress, the final sentences will be determined by a judge.

International Cooperation Behind the Arrests

The extraditions were the result of an extensive partnership between U.S. and Ghanaian authorities. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs coordinated closely with Ghana’s International Cooperation Unit, Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), Ghana Police Service – INTERPOL, Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority, and the National Intelligence Bureau.

U.S. Attorney Clayton praised the exceptional investigative work of the FBI and expressed gratitude to Ghana for its cooperation.

A Case in the Spotlight

The prosecution is being led by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Mead and Mitzi Steiner handling the case. The proceedings have been assigned to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian.

The indictment serves as a formal accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Global Message: Online Criminals Will Be Tracked Down

This case highlights the increasing determination of U.S. law enforcement agencies to dismantle international cybercrime networks. With romance scams and BEC attacks causing billions in losses globally each year, the FBI and its partners have made it clear that borders will not shield perpetrators from justice.