Three separate indictments involving Ghanaian nationals have been unsealed in the United States as part of a major federal crackdown on transnational romance fraud schemes targeting elderly Americans.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced the developments on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, underscoring law enforcement’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks preying on seniors.
Among those charged is Joseph Kwadwo Badu Boateng, aka “Dada Joe Remix,” indicted in the District of Arizona on May 30, 2025. Court documents reveal that Boateng and co-conspirators ran a romance and inheritance scam from 2013 to 2023, duping elderly victims into paying fake taxes and fees for gold and jewels supposedly held for them.
Boateng was arrested in Ghana on May 28 under a U.S. extradition request and awaits transfer to the U.S. to face conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering charges. The FBI is leading the investigation.
In related cases, Dwayne Asafo Adjei, David Onyinye Abuanekwu, Nancy Adom, Eric Aidoo, and Nader Wasif were charged in Ohio with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. From December 2017 through March 2024, they allegedly targeted elderly U.S. citizens through romantic deception and false business claims, laundering proceeds internationally.
Another indictment unsealed on May 13 in Ohio involves Otuo Amponsah, Anna Amponsah, Hannah Adom, Portia Joe, Abdoul Issaka Assimiou, and Dwayne Asafo Adjei. These individuals face similar charges for schemes involving fake romantic engagements and promises of wealth targeting seniors.
The FBI has emphasized romance fraud as a widespread scheme exploiting isolated older adults, often beginning via social media or dating sites before escalating into sophisticated scams.
U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated, “We are working with domestic and foreign partners to hold these criminals accountable and protect our seniors.”
The accused remain presumed innocent until proven guilty. U.S. authorities continue to seek extraditions and bolster international cooperation, particularly with Ghana, a key location in these fraud networks.
Victims are urged to report elder fraud to the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
