Two Ghanaian brothers and a woman living in the United States have been indicted in connection with an alleged international romance fraud operation accused of defrauding elderly Americans through online dating platforms and social media.
According to a newly unsealed indictment in United States v. Jamal Abubakari, et al., the accused persons are Jamal Abubakari, also known as Jamal Abubakar and “Arrangement,” Kamal Abubakari, also known as Kamal Abubakar and “Lancaster,” and Amanda Joy Opoku-Boachie, also identified as Amanda Joy Glum and Amanda Joy Kessei Bierman.
The three suspects were arrested in Virginia and are currently being held pending further court proceedings.
U.S. prosecutors allege that between July 2024 and April 2026, the accused collaborated with other individuals in a scheme that involved creating false online identities to establish romantic relationships with victims, many of whom were elderly Americans.
Investigators claim the suspects gained the trust of victims through fabricated personal stories before persuading them to transfer money into bank accounts allegedly controlled by members of the network.
Authorities further allege that portions of the funds were subsequently transferred to accomplices based in Ghana and other jurisdictions.
The defendants have been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
U.S. officials say the prosecution forms part of a wider effort targeting alleged Ghana-linked fraud operations accused of exploiting older Americans through online scams.
The indictment also references related investigations that have already resulted in convictions and prison sentences for several individuals connected to similar schemes.
Among those previously charged are Frederick Kumi, also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng and Abu Trica, and Daniel Yussif, also known as Denteni and Slab, who were charged in December 2025 in connection with alleged wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies.
Authorities say other defendants linked to related operations have already received prison sentences ranging from 12 months to 108 months after entering guilty pleas.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI Cleveland Division with assistance from several Ghanaian institutions, including the Economic and Organised Crime Office, Ghana Police Service, Cyber Security Authority, and the Ghana Immigration Service, as well as the FBI Legal Attaché Office in Accra.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian M. McDonough and Elliot Morrison for the Northern District of Ohio.
U.S. authorities emphasised that the indictment constitutes allegations only and that all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The prosecution falls under the Elder Justice Initiative, a U.S. Department of Justice programme focused on combating elder abuse, financial exploitation and fraud targeting older citizens.
