Federal prosecutors in Manhattan have announced the extradition of three Ghanaian nationals charged with leading an international criminal organization that defrauded victims of over $100 million through romance scams and business email compromises targeting vulnerable Americans and companies across the United States.
The defendants, identified as Isaac Oduro Boateng, 36, also known as “Kofi Boat,” Inusah Ahmed, 40, also known as “Pascal,” Derrick van Yeboah, 40, also known as “Van,” and Patrick Kwame Asare, 39, also known as “Borgar,” allegedly operated as high-ranking members of a Ghana-based criminal organization.
Key Allegations
– Romance Scams: The defendants allegedly targeted vulnerable older Americans through elaborate romance scams, establishing fake romantic relationships online and deceiving victims into sending money directly to the criminal enterprise or manipulating them into helping launder funds stolen from other victims.
– Business Email Compromises: The organization also engaged in business email compromise schemes, deceiving companies into wiring funds to accounts controlled by the conspiracy.
Extradition and Charges
– Extradition: Ghana successfully extradited Boateng, Ahmed, and van Yeboah, who arrived in the United States on August 7, 2025. Asare remains at large.
– Charges: Each defendant faces five criminal counts, including wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to receive stolen money, and receipt of stolen money, carrying substantial potential prison sentences of up to 75 years if convicted on all charges.
International Cooperation
The successful extradition represents significant cooperation between U.S. and Ghanaian authorities, with the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs working closely with the International Cooperation Unit of the Office of the Attorney-General of Ghana to secure the extraditions.
Law Enforcement Response
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton emphasized the international scope of the investigation and prosecution efforts, stating that “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.”
Next Steps
The defendants are scheduled for initial court appearances where they will be formally presented with the charges. As with all criminal cases, prosecutors emphasized that “the charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.”