Two Ghanaian nationals accused of playing supervisory roles in an international criminal organisation that defrauded victims of more than US$100 million through romance scams and business email compromise schemes have pleaded guilty before a United States federal court.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York announced on Thursday, October 29, 2026, that Isaac Oduro Boateng, 37, also known as “Kofi Boat,” pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. His co-accused, Inusah Ahmed, 41, known as “Pascal,” entered his guilty plea on October 27, 2026.
Both men pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Arun Subramanian.
According to the indictment and public court filings, Boateng and Ahmed were members of an international criminal organisation based primarily in Ghana, which targeted individuals and businesses across the United States through romance scams and business email compromise schemes.
In the romance scam operations, members of the organisation allegedly created fictitious identities and used them to establish online romantic relationships with unsuspecting victims. Many of those targeted were older men and women who were deceived into believing they were communicating with genuine romantic partners.
After gaining the victims’ trust, the conspirators persuaded them to transfer money to the organisation or, in some instances, to assist in laundering proceeds obtained from other victims.
The organisation also employed business email compromise schemes to deceive businesses into transferring funds to accounts controlled by the criminal enterprise.
The proceeds of the fraudulent activities were subsequently laundered and transferred to West Africa.
The United States Attorney’s Office estimates that the organisation stole and laundered more than US$100 million from dozens of victims across the United States.
Roles and Financial Liability
Boateng and Ahmed were described in the court filings as “chairmen” of the criminal organisation, a designation reflecting their roles in managing and supervising its activities.
Boateng is being held responsible for approximately US$12.5 million in losses suffered by victims, while Ahmed is being held responsible for approximately US$28.5 million.
Boateng agreed to pay restitution and forfeiture of US$12,529,213.98, while Ahmed agreed to pay US$28,574,002 in restitution and forfeiture.
Their offences each carry a maximum possible sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment under United States law. However, the United States Attorney’s Office emphasised that the stated maximum penalties are for informational purposes and that the actual sentences, if imposed, will be determined by the presiding judge.
Other Defendants and International Cooperation
The case has also involved other alleged members of the organisation. One of the co-defendants, Derrick Van Yeboah, also known as “Van”, has already been sentenced by Judge Subramanian to 85 months’ imprisonment.
Another co-defendant, Patrick Kwame Asare, also known as “Borgar”, remains at large.
The United States Attorney’s Office also acknowledged the cooperation of several Ghanaian institutions in the investigation and prosecution of the case.
These include the Attorney-General’s Office, particularly its International Cooperation Unit; the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO); the Ghana Police Service; the Cyber Security Authority; the Ghana Immigration Service; the National Intelligence Bureau; and the Financial Intelligence Centre.
Other agencies acknowledged included the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs.
The US authorities specifically acknowledged the role of the cooperating agencies in securing the extradition of Boateng and Ahmed from Ghana on August 7, 2025.
The prosecution is being handled by the Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, with Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin Mead and Mitzi Steiner leading the case.
Implications for Cross-Border Cybercrime
The proceedings reveal the international dimension of cyber-enabled financial crimes and the increasing cooperation between law enforcement agencies across jurisdictions in investigating and prosecuting offences that transcend national borders.
The case also demonstrates that the use of online identities, electronic communications and cross-border financial transfers does not necessarily insulate individuals from criminal accountability in jurisdictions where victims suffer financial losses.
With the two defendants having admitted their involvement in the conspiracy, the next significant stage of the proceedings will be their sentencing before the United States District Court.
