Two Ghanaian twins, Jamal Abubakari and Kamal Abubakari, and an American woman, Amanda Joy Opoku-Boachie, have pleaded guilty in the United States to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The case involves an alleged US$9 million romance fraud scheme targeting mostly elderly victims. The victims were largely older Americans, with others residing in Germany and Austria. The accused used dating websites and social media platforms to target their victims.
Court documents show that Jamal Abubakari, 22, and Kamal Abubakari, 22, entered their guilty pleas on October 13, 2026. Amanda Joy Opoku-Boachie, 53, of Kula, Hawaii, pleaded guilty on October 20, 2026. Prosecutors alleged that between July 2024 and April 2026, the defendants participated in a scheme that targeted older Americans. The scheme used fictitious online identities to establish personal relationships with victims, many of which were portrayed as romantic relationships.
The prosecution alleged that victims were persuaded to transfer money to accounts controlled by members of the conspiracy based on false representations. Court documents further alleged that portions of the funds were transmitted to co-conspirators in Ghana and elsewhere. The filings stated that losses attributed to the scheme exceeded US$9 million. The documents identified victims as residents of Edgerton in Williams County, Ohio, and individuals in 24 other states, Germany and Austria.
The accused used various tactics to deceive their victims. Members of the conspiracy used fake online profiles to build relationships with victims, gaining their trust and eventually persuading them to send money. The victims were largely elderly and vulnerable, making them easy targets for the accused. The scheme was sophisticated, with the accused using various means to transfer funds to their accounts.
As part of their plea agreements, the defendants agreed to forfeit jewellery seized during their arrests. The seized items included luxury timepieces, watches, rings, chains, medallions and earrings. The forfeiture is a significant part of the plea agreements, indicating that the accused will have to give up assets obtained through their illicit activities.
The case highlights the growing threat of online romance scams. These scams often target vulnerable individuals, causing significant financial and emotional harm. The accused in this case will face consequences for their actions, but the case also raises concerns about the effectiveness of current measures to prevent such scams. Law enforcement agencies and governments must work together to combat these types of crimes.
The US Department of Justice and other law enforcement agencies are working to combat online scams. The guilty pleas in this case demonstrate the commitment to holding those responsible accountable. The case also serves as a warning to others who may be engaging in similar activities. The US$9 million in losses attributed to the scheme is a significant amount, and the accused will face serious penalties for their actions.
Key points
- The accused used dating websites and social media platforms to target elderly victims.
- The scheme resulted in losses exceeding US$9 million.
- The defendants agreed to forfeit seized jewellery as part of their plea agreements.
