Two Ghanaian twin brothers have pleaded guilty in the United States to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in an international romance scam that caused victims to lose more than US$9 million.
Jamal Abubakari and Kamal Abubakari, both 22, entered their guilty pleas on October 13, 2026. The brothers allegedly operated under the aliases Arrangement and Lancaster, respectively.
Their co-conspirator, 53-year-old American woman Amanda Joy Opoku-Boachie, also known as Amanda Joy Glum and Amanda Joy Kessei Bierman, pleaded guilty to the same offence on October 20.
According to the US Department of Justice, the three were part of a criminal network that targeted older Americans through dating websites and social media between July 2024 and April 2026.
The network allegedly used fabricated identities to establish close relationships with victims, presenting some interactions as romantic relationships. Members then allegedly exploited the relationships by inventing stories to persuade victims to transfer money into accounts controlled by the group.
Some of the proceeds were subsequently sent to accomplices in Ghana and other locations.
The scheme affected victims across 25 US states, as well as Germany and Austria. Among those affected in northern Ohio were residents of Edgerton in Williams County. The total losses attributed to the operation exceeded US$9 million.
Defendants agree to forfeit seized jewellery
As part of their plea agreements, the three defendants have agreed to forfeit jewellery seized during their arrests.
The items include luxury watches, rings, chains, medallions and earrings.
Ghanaian agencies assist investigation
The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Cleveland Division, with support from the US Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and law enforcement agencies in Ghana and the United States.
Ghanaian institutions involved included the Attorney-General’s Office, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the Ghana Police Service, the Cyber Security Authority, the Narcotics Control Commission, the Financial Intelligence Centre, the Ghana Immigration Service and the National Intelligence Bureau.
Defendants face up to 20 years in prison
Each defendant faces a maximum prison sentence of 20 years for conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
A federal district court judge will determine the final sentences after considering the US Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant legal factors.
The guilty pleas mark a significant development in the prosecution of the international fraud scheme, which allegedly exploited victims through deceptive online relationships and caused millions of dollars in financial losses.
