Ghanaian National Pleads Guilty in $100 Million Romance Scam Case

A Ghanaian national has pleaded guilty in a United States federal court for his role in a massive international fraud scheme that defrauded victims of more than $100 million through online romance scams and business email compromise attacks.

The suspect, Derrick Van Yeboah, admitted to conspiracy to commit wire fraud as part of a criminal network that targeted individuals and businesses across the United States. How the Scam Operated

According to prosecutors, the fraud ring used fake online identities to deceive victims—many of whom were elderly people searching for companionship online. The scammers built trust by pretending to be romantic partners before persuading victims to transfer money.

After gaining the victims’ confidence, they convinced them to send funds directly or assist in transferring money linked to other fraudulent schemes. The group also used Business Email Compromise (BEC) tactics, impersonating company executives or business partners to trick businesses into wiring large sums of money.

Investigators revealed that the operation ultimately stole and laundered more than $100 million, with much of the money being transferred to West Africa through intermediaries. Personal Role and Losses

Authorities say Van Yeboah personally carried out several of the romance scams and has been linked to over $10 million in stolen funds from victims.

He has also agreed to pay full restitution and forfeiture as part of his plea agreement. Possible Sentence

Van Yeboah faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison under U.S. law. His sentencing has been scheduled for June 3, 2026, before a federal judge in New York.

The investigation involved cooperation between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Department of Justice, and Ghanaian authorities, including the Ghana Police Service and the Economic and Organised Crime Office.

Officials say the case highlights the growing threat of online romance scams and cyber fraud networks that exploit emotional vulnerabilities to steal money from unsuspecting victims.

Law enforcement agencies have urged the public to remain cautious when interacting with strangers online and to avoid sending money to individuals they have never met in person.

Derrick Van Yeboah, a Ghanaian national, pleaded guilty to stealing more than $10 million from victims through romance scams. He was a member of a criminal organization based in Ghana that preyed on vulnerable older men and women and stole, in total, more than $100 million from… pic.twitter.com/2Gw3h6nF3R

— FBI Cyber Division (@FBICyberDiv) March 6, 2026

Source: Thepressradio.com