Three Ghanaian nationals have been extradited to the United States to face charges over their alleged roles in an international fraud ring accused of stealing more than $100 million through romance scams and business email compromises.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, Isaac Oduro Boateng, also known as “Kofi Boat,” 36; Inusah Ahmed, also known as “Pascal,” 40; and Derrick Van Yeboah, also known as “Van,” 40, arrived in the U.S. on Thursday, 7 August 2025, following their extradition from Ghana. They were presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger on Friday.
A fourth Ghanaian, 39-year-old Patrick Kwame Asare, also known as “Borgar,” remains at large. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton alleged that the four were “high-ranking members of a criminal organization based in Ghana that committed romance scams and business email compromises against individuals and businesses located across the U.S.” He added: “Offshore scammers should know that we, the FBI, and our law enforcement partners will work around the world to combat online fraud and bring perpetrators to justice.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia described the scheme as “appalling,” noting that the suspects allegedly deceived companies through fraudulent email campaigns and exploited elderly victims in fake online relationships to steal their money. “The FBI will continue to ensure anyone who preys on companies and vulnerable Americans online is made to face the criminal justice system,” he said.
Prosecutors allege that once the conspiracy’s victims — many of them older men and women — had been convinced they were in romantic relationships, they were persuaded to send money or help launder funds from other victims. Businesses were also targeted through spoofed email communications designed to trick them into wiring money to the fraudsters.
Investigators say the proceeds were laundered to West Africa, with the bulk funnelled to so-called “chairmen” who oversaw the operation. Boateng and Ahmed are alleged to have been among these leaders.
The accused each face five counts: wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to receive stolen money, and receipt of stolen money. The first three charges carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, while the other two carry maximum penalties of five and 10 years respectively.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office credited the FBI, the Ghanaian authorities, and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs for their collaboration in securing the extraditions. Ghana’s Economic and Organized Crime Office, the Ghana Police Service – INTERPOL, the Cyber Security Authority, and the National Intelligence Bureau all contributed to the operation.
Officials stressed that the charges are allegations and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
