Columbus, Ohio – Samuel Antwi, a 44-year-old citizen of Ghana and former Columbus resident, has been brought to justice for his involvement in laundering millions of dollars obtained through online romance scams.
According to court documents, Antwi fled the United States after being charged on Valentine’s Day in 2018. He was arrested in Ghana in July 2021 at the request of the United States and Ghanaian authorities, and was subsequently extradited back to Columbus to face his pending charges. Antwi has remained in custody since his extradition.
The perpetrators of the romance scams created several profiles on online dating sites, establishing relationships with men and women throughout the United States and elsewhere. The scammers would then ask for money, directing the victims to send funds to accounts controlled by Antwi. The fraud generated millions of dollars in proceeds, with Antwi knowingly laundering or attempting to launder $331,150 using bank accounts in his name and his company’s name, E.N.O. Services.
“Scammers use online dating sites to build trust relationships with victims and persuade them to send money or share personal and financial information,” said U.S Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. “As Valentine’s Day approaches, remember, never send money to someone you have only met online. If you are the victim of a romance scam, file a complaint at ic3.gov.”
Court documents spell out Antwi’s involvement in the scheme, which also included unlawfully possessing stolen credit card numbers and other confidential personal information of others. Between April 26, 2016, and May 18, 2016, he possessed at least 87 stolen credit card numbers.
Antwi pleaded guilty to one count of concealment money laundering and one count of access device fraud. The parties have agreed to a term of incarceration of between 24 and 30 months, and restitution to victims of $291,150.
Antwi was one of eight people charged on Valentine’s Day 2018 in connection with the romance scam money laundering. Six have received sentences ranging from 42 months in prison to 30 months of probation. One defendant remains at large.
Antwi will likely face a sentence of 24-30 months in prison and pay restitution to victims of $291,150.
Related Federal Cases
- Christopher Furman, Wire Fraud and Money Laundering, Pennsylvania 2009 · California
- Kenneth Thom Admits $2M Investment Scam, Manhattan NY, 2023 · New York
- Christopher Ferguson, PPE Scam, New York NY, 2023 · Texas
- James Pavlounis, Social Security Administration Scam, New York 2023 · Alabama
- Luciano Schipelliti, $700K Investment Scam, Boston MA, 2023 · Kentucky
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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