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By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong
Two Ghanaian twin brothers and an American woman have admitted participating in an international fraud scheme that exploited unsuspecting individuals through online dating platforms and social networking sites.
The criminal operation primarily preyed on elderly residents in the United States and Europe.
Members allegedly created fictitious identities, established romantic connections with their targets and manipulated them into sending substantial amounts of money to financial accounts in Ghana.
The defendants, identified as 22-year-old Jamal and Kamal Abubakari and 53-year-old Amanda Joy Opoku-Boachie of Hawaii, face maximum prison terms of 20 years each.
Sentencing is expected next year.
Investigators estimate that the scheme, which operated between July 2024 and April 2026, caused combined losses of approximately $9 million.
Although a significant number of victims lived in Ohio, where the prosecution was initiated, others were identified across 24 additional American states, alongside Germany and Austria.
Under their plea agreements, the three individuals have consented to surrender valuables confiscated during their arrests. The seized items include expensive timepieces, finger rings, necklaces and earrings.
Court documents indicate that the accused operated under multiple identities. Jamal Abubakari also used the names Jamal Abubakar and Arrangement, while his twin, Kamal, was known as Kamal Abubakar and Lancaster.
Opoku-Boachie, meanwhile, reportedly used the aliases Amanda Joy Glum and Amanda Joy Kessei Bierman.
The case comes amid intensified efforts by American law enforcement agencies to dismantle organised fraud syndicates operating across the United States and West Africa, particularly those targeting older citizens.
Earlier this month, FBI Director Kash Patel announced hundreds of arrests following the disruption of a fraudulent call centre in Ghana.
In a separate case, Ghanaian social media personality Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, was extradited to the United States in June to face prosecution over an alleged romance fraud operation that reportedly cost elderly Americans more than $8 million.
Prosecutors accuse Kumi of approaching victims through social media and dating websites before requesting cash or valuable possessions using fabricated emergencies, including claims of urgent medical expenses.
His prosecution falls under American legislation designed to prevent and prosecute elder abuse.
Kumi has denied the allegations against him.
