Ghanaian Twin Brothers and US Woman Plead Guilty in $9m Romance Scam

Two Ghanaian twin brothers and an American woman have pleaded guilty to participating in an international romance scam that defrauded victims of approximately $9 million between July 2024 and April 2026.

The defendants, 22-year-old brothers Jamal and Kamal Abubakari and 53-year-old Amanda Joy Opoku-Boachie, admitted their involvement in a criminal network that targeted elderly people in the United States and Europe through dating websites and social media.

According to US prosecutors, the group used fake identities to convince victims they were in genuine romantic relationships before persuading them to transfer money into bank accounts in Ghana.

The victims collectively lost about $9 million, equivalent to approximately £6.7 million, during the period covered by the case. The charges were brought in Ohio, although victims were also identified in 24 other US states, as well as Germany and Austria.

The three defendants face maximum sentences of up to 20 years in prison and are expected to be sentenced next year. <Cite refs={[“turn842167search0″,”turn842167search2”]}/>

How the romance scam operated

The network allegedly exploited the trust and emotions of people seeking companionship online, particularly elderly individuals who were vulnerable to deceptive romantic approaches.

After establishing relationships under false identities, members of the group persuaded victims to send money, which was transferred through accounts in Ghana.

Romance scams commonly involve criminals pretending to be romantic partners before inventing emergencies, financial difficulties or other reasons to request money. In this case, the victims were reportedly spread across multiple countries, making the operation an international fraud scheme.

The defendants used several names during their activities. Jamal Abubakari was also known as Jamal Abubakar and “Arrangement”, while Kamal Abubakari used the names Kamal Abubakar and “Lancaster”.

Opoku-Boachie also operated under the names Amanda Joy Glum and Amanda Joy Kessei Bierman.

As part of their guilty pleas, the three agreed to forfeit jewellery seized by investigators during their arrests. The items reportedly included luxury watches, rings, chains and earrings.

US authorities intensify crackdown

The case comes amid increased efforts by US law enforcement agencies to dismantle international fraud networks operating across the United States and West Africa.

Earlier this month, FBI Director Kash Patel announced hundreds of arrests following the dismantling of a scam centre in Ghana.

US authorities have increasingly focused on online romance fraud, investment scams and other schemes that exploit victims through social media and digital communication platforms.

Elderly victims are particularly vulnerable to financial losses from romance scams, which can involve repeated transfers over extended periods as criminals maintain the appearance of a genuine relationship.

Investigators have urged the public to be cautious when online acquaintances request money, particularly when those individuals avoid meeting in person or repeatedly claim to face financial emergencies.

Other Ghana-linked romance scam case

The prosecution follows another high-profile case involving Ghanaian social media influencer Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica.

Kumi was extradited to the United States in June to face allegations that he participated in a romance fraud scheme that allegedly defrauded elderly Americans of more than $8 million.

US prosecutors allege that the scheme used social media and online dating platforms to approach victims before requesting money or valuables under false pretences, including purported urgent medical needs.

Kumi has denied the charges against him. His case remains separate from the prosecution involving the Abubakari brothers and Opoku-Boachie.

Sentencing expected next year

The guilty pleas by the three defendants mark a significant development in the prosecution of the alleged $9 million fraud network.

The upcoming sentencing hearings will determine the penalties they receive for their admitted roles in the scheme. The agreed forfeiture of the seized jewellery is also part of the resolution of their cases.

The prosecution highlights the international reach of online romance scams and the financial damage such schemes can cause to victims and their families.

Authorities continue to encourage people using dating platforms and social media to verify identities, avoid sending money to online acquaintances they have not independently verified, and report suspected fraud to law enforcement.