Jamal and Kamal Abubakari, 22‑year‑old twin brothers from Ghana, together with 53‑year‑old accomplice Amanda Joy Opoku‑Boachie, entered guilty pleas in October 2026 for conspiring to commit wire fraud. The trio admitted to running an international romance‑scam that extracted more than $9 million from victims, primarily senior citizens in the United States, between July 2024 and April 2026.
What was the scope of the scheme?
- The fraud operated on dating platforms and social‑media sites where the defendants created fictitious personas to court unsuspecting individuals.
- Victims were located in 25 U.S. states as well as Germany and Austria, with the stolen money funneled to co‑conspirators in Ghana and other jurisdictions.
- Court filings indicate that the total amount swindled exceeded $9,000,000.
Who were the key participants?
- The twins, Jamal and Kamal Abubakari, acted as the primary liaisons, establishing romantic connections and persuading victims to transfer funds.
- Amanda Joy Opoku‑Boachie coordinated the financial transfers and managed the receipt of money abroad.
- Federal prosecutors, representing the U.S. Department of Justice, secured the guilty pleas as part of negotiated plea agreements.
What penalties are they facing?
- Each defendant faces a statutory maximum of 20 years imprisonment.
- As part of the plea deals, the court ordered the forfeiture of luxury jewellery and other valuables seized during the arrests.
- Sentencing for the twins is scheduled for 9 February 2027, with Opoku‑Boachie slated for 10 February 2027.
How did the fraud operate?
The conspirators exploited the emotional vulnerability of older adults, often promising marriage or long‑term relationships. After gaining trust, they fabricated emergencies or travel needs, urging victims to wire money overseas. The scheme’s cross‑border nature complicated detection, allowing the perpetrators to move funds through multiple accounts before authorities intervened.
What precedent does this case set?
The guilty pleas underscore growing international cooperation in tackling romance‑fraud networks that target seniors. Law‑enforcement agencies continue to warn the public about unsolicited romantic overtures online, especially those that quickly request financial assistance.
The case highlights the severe legal repercussions for individuals who orchestrate large‑scale frauds that prey on vulnerable populations, reinforcing the message that such crimes will be pursued aggressively across borders.