More than 130 victims were targeted in 25 states, Germany and Austria
Three defendants pleaded guilty Monday to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in a romance scheme in which more than 130 victims lost more than $9 million. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio announced the pleas by Jamal Abubakari, Kamal Abubakari and Amanda Joy Opoku-Boachie.
Jamal and Kamal Abubakari are 22-year-old twins from Ghana, while Opoku-Boachie is 53 and from Kula, Hawaii. The Justice Department said the trio targeted older Americans from July 2024 to April 2026, reaching more than 130 victims in 25 states as well as in Germany and Austria.
The Justice Department said the trio used dating websites and social media platforms to adopt fake personas, establish close and personal relationships with victims and often present those relationships as romantic. The scheme involved false stories that induced victims to wire money to bank accounts controlled by conspiracy members.
At times, the defendants used artificial intelligence-driven video platforms to engage victims under fictitious female personas, the Justice Department said. Portions of the money sent by victims were distributed to co-conspirators in Ghana and elsewhere.
According to court documents reviewed by outlets, the trio alleged that they needed the money for medical emergencies, investment opportunities or travel fees to visit the victims.
In court documents, prosecutors said: “Victims report that they are left with absolutely nothing to sustain their lives going forward after a lifetime of work and saving. In addition, individual victims are ashamed and deprived of the trust they once had in their fellow human beings.”
The Justice Department said the victims lost more than $9 million in total.
As part of their plea agreements, the Abubakaris and Opoku-Boachie agreed to forfeit jewelry seized at the time of their arrests. The forfeited items included luxury timepieces, high-end watches, rings, chains, medallions and earrings.
Each defendant faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Sentencing for the brothers is scheduled for 9 February 2027, and sentencing for Opoku-Boachie is scheduled for 10 February 2027.
Other co-conspirators are awaiting extradition from Ghana. The Justice Department said seized assets there estimated to be worth more than $3 million include a Lamborghini, a Tesla Cybertruck, a Mercedes-Benz and a BMW.