The United States Department of Justice has unsealed three indictments involving Ghanaian nationals as part of a sweeping federal crackdown on transnational romance fraud schemes that targeted elderly Americans.

The move coincides with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and forms part of a broader effort to dismantle international criminal networks preying on vulnerable seniors.

Among the individuals charged is Ghanaian national Joseph Kwadwo Badu Boateng, also known as “Dada Joe Remix.”

Boateng was indicted on May 30, 2025, in the District of Arizona for allegedly orchestrating a decade-long romance and inheritance scam alongside co-conspirators.

U.S. court documents reveal that from 2013 to 2023, the group deceived elderly victims into believing they were due gold and jewels, which could only be released upon payment of bogus taxes and fees.

Boateng was arrested in Ghana on May 28, following a U.S. extradition request, and is currently awaiting transfer to the United States to face charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.

The FBI is leading the investigation into the case.

In a related indictment unsealed on June 4 in the Northern District of Ohio, five individuals — Dwayne Asafo Adjei, David Onyinye Abuanekwu, Nancy Adom, Eric Aidoo, and Nader Wasif — were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.

Prosecutors allege that between December 2017 and March 2024, the accused defrauded elderly victims in the U.S. through elaborate romantic and false business schemes.

The defendants are said to have laundered proceeds and transferred funds to co-conspirators in Ghana and elsewhere.

A third indictment, unsealed on May 13 in the same jurisdiction, charges six more individuals: Otuo Amponsah, Anna Amponsah, Hannah Adom, Portia Joe, Abdoul Issaka Assimiou, and again, Dwayne Asafo Adjei.

Authorities allege they executed similar scams, manipulating elderly victims through fake online relationships and false promises of wealth, ultimately extracting significant sums under false pretenses.

All three cases were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and fall under the U.S. Department of Justice’s broader initiative to combat elder fraud and transnational financial crimes.

“Prosecutors across the country are stepping up the fight against malicious schemes that target older Americans,” said U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “We are working closely with both domestic agencies and international partners to ensure that criminals who exploit our seniors face justice—no matter where they operate.”

Romance fraud, authorities say, remains one of the most prevalent forms of financial deception, particularly among elderly individuals who may be socially isolated.

Scammers often use dating platforms and social media to gain their victims’ trust before executing elaborate financial schemes.

While the individuals named in the indictments remain innocent until proven guilty, the U.S. government has pledged to pursue their extradition and deepen international cooperation, especially with Ghana, identified as a key hub in many of these operations.