Two Ghanaian nationals, Isaac Oduro Boateng and Inusah Ahmed, have pleaded guilty in the United States to their roles in an international cybercrime syndicate. The syndicate is accused of defrauding victims of more than $100 million through romance scams and business email fraud. Boateng, 37, and Ahmed, 41, admitted to conspiracy to commit wire fraud before US District Judge Arun Subramanian in the Southern District of New York.
Boateng entered his guilty plea on Thursday, October 29, 2026, while Ahmed pleaded guilty on October 27. The offence carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. US prosecutors described the two Ghanaians as “chairmen” of the criminal organisation, which was mainly based in Ghana and targeted individuals and businesses across the United States.
The syndicate used romance scams and business email compromise schemes to steal money from its victims. In the romance scams, members of the syndicate created fake online identities and built relationships with unsuspecting individuals, many of whom were older men and women. After gaining their trust, the fraudsters persuaded the victims to send money or assist in transferring funds obtained from other victims.
The group also targeted businesses by using fraudulent emails to trick them into transferring money to accounts controlled by the syndicate. The stolen funds were later laundered to West Africa. Prosecutors said Boateng and Ahmed played supervisory and management roles in the organisation. Boateng has been held responsible for approximately $12.5 million in losses, while Ahmed is responsible for about $28.5 million.
As part of their guilty pleas, Boateng agreed to pay $12,529,213.98 in restitution and forfeiture. Ahmed, on the other hand, agreed to pay $28,574,002. The case has also led to the sentencing of other members of the syndicate. Derrick Van Yeboah, also known as “Van”, was sentenced by Judge Subramanian to 85 months in prison.
Another alleged member, Patrick Kwame Asare, popularly known as “Borgar”, remains at large. The US Attorney’s Office acknowledged the support of several Ghanaian and American agencies in investigating the syndicate and securing the extradition of Boateng and Ahmed. The agencies included the Attorney General’s Office, the Economic and Organised Crime Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The cooperation between the agencies led to the extradition of Boateng and Ahmed to the United States. US Attorney Jamie McDonald said the guilty pleas showed that suspects involved in crimes against Americans could not escape justice by operating from other countries. He said the syndicate exploited vulnerable people by using their search for companionship to steal millions of dollars.
Key points
- The two Ghanaians face up to 20 years in prison for their roles in the cybercrime syndicate.
- The syndicate is accused of defrauding victims of over $100 million through romance scams and business email fraud.
- The case has led to the sentencing and extradition of several members of the syndicate.
