⏱ 2 min read
A Maryland woman, Nana Takyiwa Adonu, 43, of Odenton, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison on July 22, 2026, for her role in a nationwide romance scam that exploited victims in Iowa and beyond. The scam, which involved creating fake profiles on internet dating sites and social media platforms, netted over $1.6 million from victims who believed they were helping their purported romantic partners. Adonu operated a company called Han-Dak LLC, which received the money from victims, including over $55,000 from a victim living in the Southern District of Iowa.
The victims were convinced to send money to Adonu’s company, believing it would be used to facilitate uniting them with their partner, among other things. Many victims drained their retirement accounts, sold their homes and vehicles, returned to work after retirement, and borrowed substantial sums from friends and family. When confronted by the FBI, Adonu claimed Han-Dak LLC was a legitimate garment production company producing clothing in China, and produced false invoices and other documentation to obstruct the investigation.
Adonu was ordered to pay $1,655,640.76 in restitution and will serve a three-year term of supervised release after completing her prison term. Her co-defendant, Naabanyin Aniagyei-Cobbold, was sentenced to 108 months’ imprisonment and a three-year term of supervised release in March 2026. The case highlights the devastating impact of romance scams, which prey on vulnerable individuals and can result in significant financial and emotional harm.
The FBI Omaha Field Office investigated the case, with Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel warning that romance scammers exploit victims when they are at their most vulnerable. The sentence serves as a reminder of the consequences of participating in such scams and the importance of being cautious when interacting with strangers online.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Defendant: Iowa
- Location: IA
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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