The U.S. Department of Justice has charged some Ghanaian nationals in connection with widespread online scams that targeted older Americans through fake relationships and false promises of wealth.
US authorities say the arrests are part of a broader effort to stop cross-border fraud schemes that exploit the elderly, many of which start on dating platforms and social media.
One of the suspects, Joseph Kwadwo Badu Boateng, also known as Dada Joe Remix, was indicted in Arizona for running an inheritance scam from Ghana over a 10-year period. Victims were told they had gold and jewels held for them, but needed to pay bogus taxes and fees to claim them. Boateng was arrested in Ghana on May 28 and is awaiting extradition to the U.S. to face wire fraud and money laundering charges.
Other accused individuals; Dwayne Asafo Adjei, David Onyinye Abuanekwu, Nancy Adom, Eric Aidoo, and Nader Wasif were indicted in Ohio for similar offenses. Prosecutors allege the group used fake romantic relationships and business deals to trick older victims into sending money, which was then shared among conspirators in the U.S., Ghana, and beyond.
A third indictment in Ohio also names Otuo Amponsah, Anna Amponsah, Hannah Adom, Portia Joe, and Abdoul Issaka Assimiou, alongside Adjei, for related crimes.
“The defendants used various wire fraud and romance fraud schemes, often targeting elderly individuals,to obtain funds by means of false pretenses,” said a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi commented: “Prosecutors across the country are stepping up the fight against malicious schemes that target older Americans. We are working with domestic law enforcement and foreign counterparts every day to hold criminals accountable and ensure that justice is done for our seniors both here at home and abroad.”
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty. U.S. officials say they will continue working with foreign governments, including Ghana, to bring suspects to justice.
Anyone in the U.S. who believes they’ve been scammed can contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 or visit the FBI’s IC3 website.
