Trio Pleads Guilty to Multi-Million Dollar Romance Scam
Three defendants admit to orchestrating a wire fraud conspiracy that cost victims over $9 million.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Financial Crime
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Three individuals have pleaded guilty in federal court to participating in a romance fraud scheme that swindled victims out of more than $9 million. The defendants utilized fake personas on social media and dating websites to establish relationships and solicit funds from victims globally.
Why it matters
The case was prosecuted under the Elder Justice Initiative Program, which serves to combat financial exploitation targeting vulnerable populations. Federal authorities emphasize the importance of these efforts as they aim to dismantle cross-border fraud networks.
Each defendant faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison following their guilty pleas. Sentencing proceedings for the group are scheduled to begin in February 2027.
The players
Jamal Abubakari
He is a defendant who pleaded guilty to his role in the romance fraud conspiracy.
Kamal Abubakari
He is a defendant who pleaded guilty to his role in the romance fraud conspiracy.
Amanda Joy Opoku-Boachie
She is a 53-year-old defendant residing in Kula, Hawaii, who admitted to participating in the scheme.
The details
Defendants Jamal Abubakari, Kamal Abubakari, and Amanda Joy Opoku-Boachie admitted to executing the fraud between July 2024 and April 2026. The conspiracy targeted residents across northern Ohio, 24 other U.S. states, Germany, and Austria by requesting wire transfers to accounts under the group's control.
Timeline
The fraud scheme operated from July 2024 to April 2026.
Jamal and Kamal Abubakari entered guilty pleas on October 13, 2026.
Amanda Joy Opoku-Boachie entered a guilty plea on October 20, 2026.
Sentencing for the Abubakari brothers is set for February 9, 2027.
Sentencing for Opoku-Boachie is set for February 10, 2027.
Legal Context
This case functions as a key enforcement action under the Elder Justice Initiative Program. It reflects a broader federal strategy to specifically target and prosecute international criminal rings that exploit vulnerable populations through digital and financial platforms.
Residents in northern Ohio and beyond should remain vigilant against requests for money from individuals met exclusively online. Local authorities continue to urge the public to utilize official resources when suspecting potential financial exploitation.
The takeaway
Romance scams often rely on long-term emotional manipulation to encourage victims to wire funds, making them difficult to detect until significant losses occur. Always verify the identity of those you meet online and never send money to individuals you have not met in person.
What happens next
The sentencing hearing for Jamal and Kamal Abubakari is scheduled for February 9, 2027, followed by the sentencing for Amanda Joy Opoku-Boachie on February 10, 2027.
Further reading
For additional context on how investigators address similar cases, visit the Financial Crime section.
More information
To learn how to protect yourself or report suspected elder financial abuse, visit the Elder Justice Initiative.
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