Cleveland, Ohio – Federal prosecutors have unsealed a major indictment accusing two brothers from Ghana and a woman living in the United States of participating in an international romance fraud network that allegedly stole money from elderly Americans through deceptive online relationships.
According to the United States Department of Justice, the three defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.
The indictment identifies the defendants as Jamal Abubakari, also known as Jamal Abubakar and “Arrangement,” his twin brother Kamal Abubakari, also known as Kamal Abubakar and “Lancaster,” and Amanda Joy Opoku Boachie, who also allegedly used the names Amanda Joy Glum and Amanda Joy Kessei Bierman.
Authorities said all three defendants were arrested in Virginia and remain in custody while the federal case moves forward.
Elderly Victims Allegedly Targeted Through Fake Relationships
According to prosecutors, the alleged fraud conspiracy operated from approximately July 2024 through April 2026.
Investigators believe the defendants and their associates specifically targeted older Americans through dating websites and social media platforms.
Federal authorities alleged the group used fake online identities and emotional manipulation to establish close relationships with victims, many of which became romantic in nature.
After gaining the victims’ trust, prosecutors said the conspirators allegedly created false stories designed to convince victims to send money through wire transfers.
Authorities claim the money was directed into financial accounts controlled by members of the conspiracy before portions were later transferred to co-conspirators located in Ghana and other locations.
The investigation is part of a broader federal crackdown on alleged romance fraud schemes connected to Ghana that have targeted elderly victims throughout the United States.
Officials noted that several related federal cases tied to the same type of criminal activity have already resulted in convictions and lengthy prison sentences.
Multiple Related Cases Already Produced Prison Sentences
Federal prosecutors said nine defendants connected to related fraud conspiracies have already pleaded guilty and collectively received approximately 50 years in prison.
One related case, United States v. Frederick Kumi, charged Frederick Kumi and Daniel Yussif with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy.
Another federal case, United States v. David Onyinye Abuanekwu, resulted in multiple prison sentences for individuals accused of participating in similar schemes.
Among those sentenced were Dwayne Asafo Adjei, who received 71 months in prison, Nancy Adom, also sentenced to 71 months, and Eric Aidoo, who also received a 71-month sentence.
Authorities said all three were also ordered to pay substantial restitution amounts totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Another defendant, Nader Wasif, was sentenced to 12 months in prison after pleading guilty to obstruction of justice.
Federal prosecutors also noted that Kelvin Asmah was recently arrested following charges filed in a second superseding indictment.
Investigators Worked Across Multiple Countries
A separate related prosecution, United States v. Otuo Amponsah, led to additional prison sentences tied to romance fraud and money laundering conspiracies.
Among those sentenced were Otuo Amponsah and Anna Amponsah, who each received 108-month prison terms.
Other defendants, including Portia Joe and Hannah Adom, also received federal prison sentences.
Meanwhile, Abdoul Issaka Assimiou has pleaded guilty and remains awaiting sentencing.
Federal officials emphasized that the newest defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted, prosecutors said sentencing decisions will depend on numerous factors including criminal history, roles within the conspiracy, and the specific details of the offenses.
The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Cleveland Division with major assistance from international and federal agencies in both the United States and Ghana.
Officials credited agencies including the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Cyber Security Authority, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the FBI Washington Field Office for helping advance the international investigation.
The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Brian M. McDonough and Elliot Morrison for the Northern District of Ohio.
