Two Ghanaian men have pleaded guilty in a United States federal court to their roles in an international criminal organisation accused of stealing and laundering more than US$100 million through romance scams and business email compromise schemes. Editorial Ethics & Independence
The defendants, identified as 37-year-old Isaac Oduro Boateng, also known as “Kofi Boat”, and 41-year-old Inusah Ahmed, known by the alias “Pascal”, entered guilty pleas to conspiracy to commit wire fraud before United States District Judge Arun Subramanian in New York.
According to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, Boateng pleaded guilty on October 29, 2026, while Ahmed entered his plea on October 27, 2026.
Their admissions relate to an international network primarily based in Ghana that targeted individuals and businesses across the United States.
The case has attracted attention in Ghana following the publication of details, which reported that the two men were among the leading figures in the alleged criminal organisation.
How the Romance Scam Operated
Court documents indicate that members of the organisation used fabricated identities to establish relationships with unsuspecting victims through online platforms.
Many of those targeted were older men and women who believed they were communicating with genuine romantic partners.
After gaining their confidence and building emotional connections, the fraudsters allegedly persuaded victims to transfer money to accounts controlled by members of the network. Corrections Policy
In some cases, victims were also deceived into helping move funds obtained from other people, potentially exposing them to further financial and legal consequences.
The organisation’s activities reportedly extended beyond online romance fraud. Prosecutors said members also carried out business email compromise schemes, in which fraudulent communications were used to persuade businesses to transfer money to accounts controlled by the criminal enterprise.
The combination of the two methods allowed the network to target both individuals seeking companionship online and businesses conducting financial transactions.
According to prosecutors, the organisation stole and laundered more than United States $100 million from dozens of victims. The proceeds were subsequently moved through financial channels to West Africa.
Two Defendants Held Leadership Roles
The United States Attorney’s Office described Boateng and Ahmed as “chairmen” of the organisation, indicating that both played roles in managing and supervising its activities.
Investigators estimate that Boateng is responsible for approximately United States $12.5 million in losses suffered by victims, while Ahmed is linked to about US$28.5 million.
As part of their guilty pleas, both men agreed to make restitution and pay forfeiture in amounts corresponding to the losses attributed to them.
Boateng agreed to restitution and forfeiture payments totalling United States $12,529,213.98. Ahmed agreed to pay US$28,574,002 in restitution and forfeiture. Editorial Standards
These financial obligations form part of the legal consequences arising from their pleas and the losses identified by prosecutors.
Other Suspects Linked to the Network
The investigation has also resulted in legal action against other individuals allegedly connected to the organisation.
One co-defendant, Derrick Van Yeboah, also known as “Van”, has already been sentenced to 85 months in prison by the court.
Another alleged member, Patrick Kwame Asare, known as “Borgar”, remains at large, according to the United States Attorney’s Office.
The case involved cooperation between American and Ghanaian law enforcement institutions.
Agencies acknowledged for their assistance include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Ghana’s Attorney-General’s Office, the Economic and Organised Crime Office, the Ghana Police Service and the Cyber Security Authority.
Other Ghanaian institutions involved include the Financial Intelligence Centre, Ghana Immigration Service and National Intelligence Bureau.
Their cooperation contributed to the international investigation and the extradition of Boateng and Ahmed to the United States on August 7, 2025.
Defendants Face Up to 20 Years in Prison
Although both men have pleaded guilty, their final sentences have not yet been determined.
Each defendant faces a maximum possible prison term of 20 years for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. However, the maximum penalty does not mean that either individual will automatically receive the full sentence.
A federal judge will determine the appropriate punishment after considering the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant legal factors.
The case is being handled by the Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin Mead and Mitzi Steiner are leading the prosecution.
Romance Fraud Remains a Serious Online Threat
The case highlights the financial and emotional consequences of romance scams, particularly for people who develop relationships with individuals they have never met in person.
Fraudsters often use convincing online profiles, fabricated personal stories and sustained communication to gain trust before requesting money.
Some schemes also involve impersonation, false investment opportunities or requests for financial assistance. Newscard
Online users are advised to be cautious when people they meet through dating platforms or social media request money, banking information or assistance with transferring funds.
Requests involving urgent emergencies, travel expenses or investment opportunities should be independently verified.
The prosecution also demonstrates the importance of international cooperation in addressing cyber-enabled financial crimes, as offenders and victims may be located in different countries.
With Boateng and Ahmed now having admitted their roles in the conspiracy, attention turns to the sentencing process and the continuing efforts to pursue other individuals connected to the network.