Four Ghanaian nationals are facing extradition for their roles in a massive romance scam that swindled over $100 million from unsuspecting victims across the United States. United States Attorney Jay Clayton and FBI Assistant Director Christopher G. Raia announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging ISAAC ODURO BOATENG, INUSAH AHMED, DERRICK VAN YEBOAH, and PATRICK KWAME ASARE with leading the criminal organization.
BOATENG, 36; AHMED, 40; VAN YEBOAH, 40; and ASARE, 39, are alleged to have orchestrated romance scams and business email compromises, preying on vulnerable older adults. They convinced victims they were in genuine relationships and then extorted money from them or laundered funds for other scammers. The conspirators also tricked businesses into wiring funds to their accounts.
The defendants, except ASARE who remains at large, have been extradited to the United States. BOATENG, AHMED, and VAN YEBOAH arrived in the U.S. on August 7, 2025, and will appear before Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger today. All four face serious charges including wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to receive stolen money, and receipt of stolen money.
‘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,’ said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. ‘Deceiving businesses and innocent Americans is illegal, and these defendants will be held accountable.’
Assistant Director Christopher G. Raia echoed this sentiment: ‘The FBI will continue to ensure anyone who preys on companies and vulnerable Americans online faces the full brunt of the criminal justice system. This case sends a clear message that such crimes are not just appalling but also illegal.’
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Organized Crime|Cybercrime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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