Two Ghanaian men described by US prosecutors as senior figures in an international criminal organisation have pleaded guilty to their roles in a cyber fraud syndicate accused of defrauding victims across the United States of more than $100 million.

Isaac Oduro Boateng, 37, popularly known as “Kofi Boat”, and Inusah Ahmed, 41, also known as “Pascal”, admitted to their involvement in the syndicate, which used romance scams and business email compromise schemes to steal money from individuals and businesses.

The two entered guilty pleas before US District Judge Arun Subramanian at the Southern District of New York. Boateng pleaded guilty on Thursday, October 29, 2026, while Ahmed entered his plea on October 27, 2026.

Both pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, an offence that carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years under US law.

According to US prosecutors, the two Ghanaians were among the leading figures in a criminal network primarily based in Ghana, which targeted people and businesses across the United States.

The syndicate reportedly preyed on vulnerable older men and women by creating fake identities and establishing online romantic relationships with them.

After gaining their victims' trust, members of the group persuaded them to send money or, in some cases, unknowingly help launder funds stolen from other victims.

The organisation also targeted businesses through business email compromise schemes, tricking them into transferring money to accounts controlled by the syndicate. The proceeds were subsequently laundered to West Africa.

US prosecutors described Boateng and Ahmed as “chairmen” of the criminal organisation, saying they helped manage and supervise its activities.

$100 Million Romance Scam: Kofi Boat, Inusah Ahmed plead guilty to charges

Boateng has been held responsible for approximately $12.5 million in losses suffered by victims, while Ahmed's share has been estimated at $28.5 million.

As part of their guilty pleas, Boateng agreed to pay $12,529,213.98 in restitution and forfeiture, while Ahmed agreed to pay $28,574,002 in restitution and forfeiture.

Commenting on the guilty pleas, US Attorney Jamie McDonald said the case demonstrated that suspects could still be brought to justice regardless of where their alleged crimes were committed.

“These guilty pleas demonstrate that geographic borders will not shield those who exploit Americans from facing justice in our courts,” McDonald said.

He added that the two men exploited people's desire for companionship and turned their trust into a means of stealing millions of dollars.

The case has also involved other Ghanaian nationals. Derrick Van Yeboah, known as “Van”, was previously sentenced to 85 months in prison, while another accused, Patrick Kwame Asare, also known as “Borgar”, remains at large.

Boateng and Ahmed were extradited to the United States on August 7, 2025, following cooperation between US authorities and several Ghanaian security and law enforcement agencies.

These included the Attorney General’s Office, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the Ghana Police Service, the Cyber Security Authority, the Ghana Immigration Service and the National Intelligence Bureau.

JKB/VPO

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