Federal prosecutors have unsealed an indictment charging four Ghanaian nationals with running an international fraud operation that stole more than $100 million through romance scams and business email compromises.
Three of the suspects — 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 and arrived in the United States on August 7. They are scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger. A fourth suspect, Patrick Kwame Asare, 39, also known as “Borgar,” remains at large.
Massive Fraud Scheme Targeted Elderly and Businesses
According to prosecutors, the four were high-ranking members of a Ghana-based criminal organization that used fake online identities to target vulnerable elderly Americans, convincing them they were in romantic relationships and persuading them to send money or assist in laundering stolen funds.
The group also carried out business email compromise schemes, tricking companies into wiring large sums to accounts controlled by the organization. In total, more than $100 million was stolen and laundered to West Africa, much of it funneled to “chairmen” who directed other members. Boateng and Ahmed were identified as two of the group’s chairmen.
Serious Federal Charges
All four defendants face one count each of wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering conspiracy — each carrying a maximum 20-year sentence — along with charges for conspiracy to receive stolen money and receipt of stolen money.
“These defendants deceived businesses and exploited elderly victims in cruel and calculated ways,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia. “The FBI will ensure anyone who preys on companies and vulnerable Americans is brought to justice.”
International Cooperation
The extradition was secured through cooperation between the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and multiple Ghanaian agencies, including the Economic and Organized Crime Office, the Ghana Police Service – INTERPOL, the Cyber Security Authority, and the National Intelligence Bureau.
The case is being prosecuted by the Southern District of New York’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit.
