A Cincinnati man has admitted his role in a $2 million romance fraud scheme that targeted dozens of unsuspecting victims through fake dating profiles.
According to the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, 41-year-old Richard Opoku Agyemang pleaded guilty to laundering proceeds from a widespread online dating scam. The scheme involved using stolen photos and false identities to build fake profiles on dating websites, deceiving victims into believing they were in real romantic relationships.
The scammers then convinced victims to send money under false pretenses, including claims that the funds were needed for medical emergencies or to transfer a large gold inheritance to the U.S.
Authorities said the fraud proceeds were laundered through a network of wire and electronic transfers, including both domestic and international accounts—some based in China. Court records show that more than $2 million flowed through accounts controlled by Agyemang.
He was charged in April 2024 and has now pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering, specifically tied to a $32,000 transfer in 2022.
As part of his plea deal, Agyemang faces a recommended sentence of up to 41 months in federal prison.
At this time, investigators have not confirmed whether additional individuals will face charges in the case.
