By Salma El-Sakka
Three individuals have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in a $9 million romance scam that targeted elderly Americans across 25 states and two European countries, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio announced Monday.
Scheme Details
Twin brothers Jamal Abubakari and Kamal Abubakari, both 22 and from Ghana, along with Amanda Joy Opoku-Boachie, 53, of Kula, Hawaii, operated from July 2024 to April 2026. They created fake personas on dating websites and social media, at times using artificial intelligence-driven video platforms to portray fictitious female identities, prosecutors said.
Victims and Losses
The group targeted more than 130 victims, primarily older adults, in the United States, Germany and Austria. Victims were lured into wiring money to accounts controlled by the conspirators under pretenses of medical emergencies, investment opportunities or travel fees. Total losses exceeded $9 million, leaving many victims financially devastated and emotionally shattered, according to court documents.
Plea Agreement and Sentencing
As part of their plea agreements, the defendants agreed to forfeit seized jewelry including luxury timepieces, watches, rings, chains, medallions and earrings. Each faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for February 9, 2027, for the Abubakari brothers and February 10, 2027, for Opoku-Boachie.
International Co-conspirators
Other co-conspirators are awaiting extradition from Ghana, where authorities seized assets estimated at more than $3 million, including a Lamborghini, a Tesla Cybertruck, a Mercedes-Benz and a BMW, the Justice Department said.
