A growing list of Ghanaian public figures and entrepreneurs have in recent years been arrested, indicted or extradited by US authorities over their alleged involvement in large-scale romance and cyber fraud schemes targeting mostly elderly Americans.

The latest is Ghanaian businessman and social media entrepreneur Frederick Kumi, also known as Abu Trica.

Abu Trica: $8 million elder fraud case leads to arrest in Ghana

US authorities allege he participated in a criminal scheme that defrauded elderly Americans of more than $8 million through romance scams beginning in 2023.

He was arrested in Ghana on December 11, 2025, following a joint operation involving multiple US and Ghanaian security agencies.

According to prosecutors in the Northern District of Ohio, Abu Trica and his co-conspirators used Artificial Intelligence tools to create fake identities, build intimate online relationships with victims and solicit money under false pretenses such as medical emergencies or investment opportunities.

Abu Trica indicted in US for $8m romance fraud, arrested by authorities in Ghana

Authorities say he played a key role in receiving and distributing fraud proceeds across several jurisdictions.

He has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

Investigators emphasise that the indictment is not yet proof of guilt and that he is entitled to a fair trial.

Dada Joe Remix extradited to the US over $100m romance fraud ring

Ghanaian businessman Joseph Badu Boateng was extradited to the United States following close collaboration between the US Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), the FBI and Ghanaian law-enforcement agencies.

According to US prosecutors, Boateng allegedly orchestrated a sophisticated criminal ring that defrauded victims mainly US citizens through romance and inheritance scams.

The group used fake online profiles to lure victims into emotional relationships before convincing them to transfer money for fabricated emergencies, inheritance claims and fees.

Boateng was arrested in Ghana on May 28, 2025, after the US government submitted a formal extradition request.

He faces charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, following a grand jury indictment in the US District Court for the District of Arizona.

Court documents allege that between 2013 and March 2023, Boateng and his associates duped elderly victims by promising access to nonexistent gold and jewellery, often demanding fictitious taxes and fees. If convicted, he faces significant prison time.

Hajia4Reall: Influencer received over $2m in romance fraud proceeds

Socialite and musician Mona Faiz Montrage, known widely as Hajia4Reall, remains one of the most high-profile Ghanaians linked to US romance scam investigations.

US prosecutors say she was part of a West Africa-based criminal enterprise that targeted older Americans through elaborate romance schemes between 2013 and 2019.

Montrage allegedly controlled bank accounts that received over $2 million in fraudulent proceeds.

Investigators say she used false narratives including gold shipments, fake investigations and impersonation of a US soldier to extract money from victims.

In one instance, she even sent a victim a fake tribal marriage certificate to deepen the deception.

Montrage was arrested in the UK in 2022 and extradited to the US in 2023.

She later pleaded guilty to conspiracy to receive stolen money and was sentenced to one year and one day in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release.

She was ordered to forfeit $216,475 and pay $1,387,458 in restitution.

The 32-year-old has been released from custody.

Kofi Boat, Pascal and Van

Isaac Oduro Boateng (Kofi Boat), Insuah Ahmed (Pascal) and Derrick Van Yeboah (Van) have been extradited to the United States on allegations of fraud.

According to the FBI and the United States Department of Justice, the three men and one other suspect who is at large, Patrick Kwame Asare (Borgar), are leading members of The Enterprise and are responsible for orchestrating a large-scale international fraud scheme that defrauded victims of more than $100 million.

According to the FBI, the trio allegedly belonged to a transnational criminal organisation engaged in romance scams and business email compromise (BEC) operations.

"These actors were allegedly part of an international criminal organisation that conducted romance scams and business email compromises, stealing over $100 million from dozens of victims," the FBI stated in an official post on Thursday, August 8, 2025.

The alleged scheme involved tricking victims, both individuals and businesses, into sending large sums of money under false pretences.

AM

#TrendingGH: Extension of IGP's contract draws praise and criticism



Watch some videos from the NPP’s 2025 Constitution Amendment







The wait is over! The GhanaWeb Excellence Awards 2025 is officially launched. Let's Celebrate impact, innovation and excellence across Ghana.
Who deserves to be honoured this year?
Nominate now 👉 https://ghanaweb.com/ghanaexcellenceawards/nominate