Older Americans Went Looking For Love. A Fraud Ring Took Millions.

Twin brothers from Ghana and a Hawaii woman have pleaded guilty to participating in an international romance scam that targeted older Americans and cost victims more than $9 million, federal prosecutors announced.

Jamal Abubakari, 22, and his twin brother, Kamal Abubakari, pleaded guilty on October 13 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. 

Amanda Joy Opoku-Boachie, 53, of Kula, Hawaii, entered her guilty plea to the same charge on October 20.

According to court documents, the conspiracy operated from approximately July 2024 through April 2026. The defendants and their co-conspirators used fake identities on dating websites and social media to build close relationships with older Americans, often posing as romantic partners, prosecutors said.  

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The accused worked to gain their targets’ trust and then convinced them to send money through wire transfers after making up stories of hardship. They then transferred portions of the money to associates in Ghana and other places. 

Victims across 25 states, Germany, and Austria collectively lost more than $9 million.

As part of their plea agreements, all three defendants agreed to forfeit jewelry seized during their arrests, including luxury watches and other high-end timepieces, rings, chains, medallions and earrings.

The FBI’s Cleveland Field Office led the investigation, with assistance from the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and other U.S. and international law enforcement agencies, including authorities in Ghana.

Each defendant faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for February. 

This case is part of the Justice Department’s Elder Justice Initiative, which coordinates efforts to combat elder abuse, neglect, financial fraud, and scams targeting older Americans.