U.S. authorities announced the extradition of three Ghanaian nationals to face charges in connection with an international criminal organization accused of stealing more than $100 million through romance scams and business email compromises. The announcement was made by Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s New York Field Office.
Isaac Oduro Boateng (also known as “Kofi Boat”), Inusah Ahmed (“Pascal”), Derrick Van Yeboah (“Van”), and Patrick Kwame Asare (“Borgar”) are charged in a recently unsealed indictment. Boateng, Ahmed, and Van Yeboah arrived in the United States on August 7, 2025, following their extradition from Ghana. They are scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger. Asare remains at large.
“As alleged, Isaac Oduro Boateng, Inusah Ahmed, Derrick van Yeboah, and Patrick Kwame Asare led and participated in an international fraud ring that engaged in a massive conspiracy to defraud vulnerable people and steal from businesses,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Offshore scammers should know that we, the FBI, and our law enforcement partners will work around the world to combat online fraud and bring perpetrators to justice.”
“The defendants have been brought to the United States to be held accountable for their alleged roles in scamming companies and vulnerable Americans out of over $100 million,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia. “Deceiving businesses using email compromise campaigns and tricking innocent elderly victims through fraudulent companionship in order to exploit their trust and finances is not merely appalling but illegal. The FBI will continue to ensure anyone who preys on companies and vulnerable Americans online is made to face the criminal justice system.”
According to allegations in the indictment, all four individuals were high-ranking members of a Ghana-based criminal group that targeted both individuals—many of them older men and women—and businesses across the United States using online romance scams and business email compromise schemes.
The organization allegedly used fake identities during online interactions with victims who believed they were involved in real romantic relationships. After gaining victims’ trust, conspirators would convince them either to send money or help launder funds obtained from other victims. Businesses were also targeted through fraudulent emails designed to deceive employees into wiring funds directly to accounts controlled by members of the organization.
Authorities allege that after stealing these funds—which totaled more than $100 million—the proceeds were laundered back to West Africa where they were sent largely to senior figures called “chairmen.” Both Boateng and Ahmed are described as chairmen within this structure.
Boateng (36), Ahmed (40), Van Yeboah (40), and Asare (39) each face charges including wire fraud conspiracy (maximum 20 years imprisonment), wire fraud (20 years), money laundering conspiracy (20 years), conspiracy to receive stolen money (five years), and receipt of stolen money (10 years). Sentencing decisions will be made by a judge if convictions occur; maximum penalties are set by Congress for informational purposes only.
Jay Clayton recognized efforts by multiple agencies: “Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the FBI.” He also expressed appreciation for support from Ghanaian authorities as well as assistance from the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs.
The Justice Department coordinated with various government entities within Ghana—including its Economic and Organized Crime Office, Police Service INTERPOL division, Cyber Security Authority, National Intelligence Bureau—as part of securing extraditions for prosecution in New York federal court.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Mead and Mitzi Steiner from SDNY’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit are leading prosecution efforts against those charged.
All allegations remain unproven at this stage; defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court proceedings.
