Two Ghanaian men described by U.S. prosecutors as “chairmen” of a massive international fraud network have pleaded guilty to their roles in a conspiracy that stole and laundered more than $100 million through romance scams and business email compromise schemes.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York announced on October 29, 2026, that Isaac Oduro Boateng, also known as “Kofi Boat,” and Inusah Ahmed, also known as “Pascal,” admitted to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Boateng entered his guilty plea on October 29, while Ahmed pleaded guilty two days earlier.
Federal prosecutors said the two men were senior figures in a criminal organization primarily operating from Ghana. The group allegedly targeted individuals and businesses across the United States, with many victims being older men and women who believed they were involved in genuine online romantic relationships.
According to court filings, members of the network created fake identities and built emotional relationships with victims before convincing them to send substantial amounts of money. Some victims were also allegedly used to move stolen funds without realizing they were participating in money laundering operations.
The organization also carried out business email compromise schemes, tricking companies into wiring money to accounts controlled by the fraud network. Prosecutors said the conspiracy ultimately stole and laundered more than $100 million from dozens of victims before the proceeds were moved to West Africa.
Boateng and Ahmed were referred to as “chairmen” because authorities said they helped manage and supervise members of the organization. Boateng is being held responsible for approximately $12.5 million in victim losses, while Ahmed is being held responsible for roughly $28.5 million. Both agreed to pay restitution and forfeiture in those amounts.
Each man now faces a maximum possible sentence of 20 years in federal prison, although their final sentences will be determined by a judge.
Another defendant, Derrick Van Yeboah, previously received an 85-month prison sentence, while Patrick Kwame Asare remains at large.
U.S. authorities credited extensive cooperation from several Ghanaian agencies, including the Attorney General’s Office, EOCO, Ghana Police Service, Cyber Security Authority, Immigration Service and National Intelligence Bureau, in helping secure the extradition of Boateng and Ahmed to the United States in August 2025.
