The extradition of Ghanaian national Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, to the United States has drawn fresh attention to 17 Ghana-linked individuals who have faced separate U.S. federal fraud-related cases in recent years.
The cases involve different investigations across multiple jurisdictions, with individuals charged, extradited, convicted, sentenced or having completed their prison terms. They should not automatically be interpreted as one single criminal enterprise because each case has its own legal history.
Some defendants remain before the courts and are presumed innocent unless proven guilty, while others have pleaded guilty, been convicted, sentenced or completed their sentences.
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Abu Trica and the Ohio romance fraud investigation
Frederick Kumi (Abu Trica / Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng)
Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, was extradited from Ghana to the United States on July 9, 2026 after his legal challenges against the extradition process were unsuccessful.
U.S. prosecutors allege that Kumi was involved in a romance fraud scheme that targeted elderly Americans and resulted in losses exceeding $8 million.
He faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy. Prosecutors allege that the scheme involved fake identities and online romantic relationships used to gain victims’ trust before obtaining money and moving fraud proceeds.
The allegations against Kumi have not been proven in court, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Dada Joe Remix’s Arizona romance fraud case
Joseph Kwadwo Badu Boateng (Dada Joe Remix)
Joseph Kwadwo Badu Boateng, popularly known as Dada Joe Remix, is involved in a separate federal case in Arizona.
He was extradited from Ghana to the United States in 2025 after prosecutors accused him of participating in a romance and inheritance fraud scheme targeting elderly victims.
According to prosecutors, the scheme involved fake romantic relationships and false claims about inherited gold and jewellery, with victims allegedly asked to pay fees to access the supposed assets.
In July 2026, Boateng later pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. As part of his plea agreement, he agreed to pay approximately $4.4 million in restitution and is awaiting sentencing.
The Abubakari brothers and Amanda Opoku-Boachie case
The case involving Jamal Abubakari, Kamal Abubakari and Amanda Joy Opoku-Boachie is a separate federal prosecution in the Northern District of Ohio.
Jamal Abubakari (Arrangement)
Jamal Abubakari was indicted on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy.
Prosecutors allege that he participated in romance fraud schemes targeting older Americans through dating websites and social media platforms.
He remains before the court and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Kamal Abubakari (Lancaster)
Kamal Abubakari, Jamal’s twin brother, faces the same charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy.
Prosecutors allege that he participated in the conspiracy outlined in the indictment.
He remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Amanda Joy Opoku-Boachie
Amanda Joy Opoku-Boachie was charged alongside the Abubakari brothers.
Prosecutors allege that she was involved in the same alleged romance fraud operation.
The allegations against all three defendants remain unproven in court.
Daniel Yussif and Kelvin Asmah in the Ohio investigation
Daniel Yussif (Denteni / Slab)
Daniel Yussif is among the Ghana-linked individuals charged in connection with the Ohio romance fraud investigation.
He faces allegations involving conspiracy offences connected to wire fraud and money laundering.
Kelvin Asmah
Kelvin Asmah was named in a superseding indictment in 2026 as prosecutors expanded their investigation.
He faces allegations linked to the broader Ohio investigation involving wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy offences.
His case remains ongoing, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Abdoul Issaka Assimiou’s guilty plea
Abdoul Issaka Assimiou
Abdoul Issaka Assimiou pleaded guilty in connection with the Ohio investigation.
His guilty plea relates to conspiracy offences connected to romance fraud schemes targeting victims in the United States.
He is awaiting sentencing.
Hajia4Reall’s New York romance fraud case
Mona Faiz Montrage (Hajia4Reall)
In 2023, Mona Faiz Montrage, popularly known as Hajia4Reall, was charged in a separate federal case in New York. She later pleaded guilty in 2024 to conspiracy to receive stolen money
U.S. prosecutors said she received funds linked to romance scams targeting victims, with fraudulent proceeds sent through accounts she controlled.
Montrage was sentenced in 2024 to one year and one day in prison and later completed her sentence.
Other Ghana-linked fraud cases that ended in convictions and sentences
Several other Ghana-linked individuals have gone through separate U.S. proceedings involving romance fraud, wire fraud and related financial offences.
Dwayne Asafo Adjei
In 2024, Dwayne Asafo Adjei pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy.
He was sentenced to 71 months in prison and ordered to pay $372,943 in restitution.
Eric Aidoo
Eric Aidoo pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy.
He was sentenced to 71 months in prison and ordered to pay $668,228 in restitution.
Nancy Adom
Nancy Adom pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.
She was sentenced to 71 months in prison and ordered to pay $1,079,559 in restitution.
Hannah Adom
Hannah Adom was sentenced to 71 months in prison and ordered to pay $278,894 in restitution.
Nader Wasif
Nader Wasif’s case differed from the main fraud conspiracy cases.
He pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice and was sentenced to 12 months in prison.
Otuo Amponsah
Otuo Amponsah pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy.
He was sentenced to 108 months in prison and ordered to pay $3,324,675 in restitution.
Anna Amponsah
Anna Amponsah pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy.
She was sentenced to 108 months in prison and ordered to pay approximately $1.44 million in restitution.
Portia Joe
Portia Joe pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.
She was sentenced to 51 months in prison and ordered to pay about $2 million in restitution.
Why these cases matter
The cases highlight how cross-border fraud schemes can use fake identities, online platforms and international financial systems to target victims.
Romance fraud schemes often rely on building trust with victims online before requesting money or directing funds through financial channels.
The investigations also show increasing cooperation between U.S. authorities and Ghanaian law enforcement agencies in tackling cyber-enabled crime.
What happens next?
Several cases remain active, with some defendants awaiting trial, sentencing or further court proceedings.
As investigations into international fraud schemes continue, additional prosecutions and court developments may follow.
Source: US DOJ
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