Three plead guilty to $9m romance scam

Twin brothers from Ghana and an American woman have admitted their part in a romance fraud which primarily targeted elderly Americans but also netted victims in Europe.

Jamal Abubakari, aka Jamal Abubakar, aka Arrangement, 22, and Kamal Abubakari, aka Kamal Abubakar, aka Lancaster, 22, pleaded guilty on 13 October to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud.

Amanda Joy Opoku-Boachie, aka Amanda Joy Glum, aka Amanda Joy Kessei Bierman, 53, of Kula, Hawaii, pleaded guilty to the same charge a week later.

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All three face a maximum of 20 years in prison - they will be sentenced in February 2027.

Many of the victims resided in Ohio but authorities in the US say residents in 24 other states were targeted, as well as others in Germany and Austria.

Between July 2024 and April 2026, the victims collectively lost $9m (£6.7m).

According to court documents, thre trio targeted older Americans on dating websites and social media, using fake personas to establish romantic relationships.

They used false stories to encourage the victims to send money via wire transfer to accounts which they controlled - portions of the funds were provided to co-conspirators in Ghana and elsewhere.

As part of their plea agreement, Abubakaris and Opoku-Boachie agreed to forfeit jewellery which was seized at the time of their arrests - these include luxury timepieces, high-end watches, rings, chains, medallions, and earrings.

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