Two Ghanaian twin brothers and an American woman have pleaded guilty to participating in an international fraud scheme that allegedly stole about $9 million from victims through fake romantic relationships on dating platforms and social media.
The brothers, Jamal and Kamal Abubakari, both 22, and Amanda Joy Opoku-Boachie, 53, from Hawaii, face up to 20 years in prison. They are expected to be sentenced next year.
Prosecutors said the criminal network targeted elderly people in the United States and Europe, using false identities to convince victims that they were involved in genuine romantic relationships.
After establishing trust, members of the group allegedly persuaded victims to send money to bank accounts in Ghana.
The scheme operated between July 2024 and April 2026, during which victims collectively lost approximately $9 million, equivalent to about £6.7 million.
Although many of the victims were based in Ohio, where the charges were filed, investigators identified others across 24 additional US states, as well as Germany and Austria.
The case highlights how online romance scams can exploit emotional vulnerability to obtain money from unsuspecting victims, often leaving them with significant financial losses.
As part of their plea agreements, the three defendants agreed to forfeit jewellery seized by investigators during their arrests. The items reportedly included luxury watches, rings, chains and earrings.
The guilty pleas bring the defendants closer to sentencing, although the final prison terms will be determined by the court.
