In a coordinated multi-agency operation, the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), alongside Interpol and Ghanaian security forces, arrested at least three high-profile individuals—including socialite Isaac Kofi Oduro Boateng (aka “Kofi Boat”)—in Accra this week. They stand accused of orchestrating sophisticated Business Email Compromise (BEC) and romance scams, targeting U.S. victims to the tune of over $100 million .
🔍 What We Know
The suspects were taken into custody on 13 June 2025 and were remanded by an Accra magistrate court on 16 June, pending extradition proceedings . The U.S. Department of Justice, continuing an indictment issued in May 2023, accuses them of wire fraud and money laundering, involving forged documents and deception via spoofed corporate email addresses . Their scheme is alleged to include romance scams targeting vulnerable individuals—especially the elderly—through online dating platforms and false emergencies .
👀 Spotlight: “Kofi Boat”—Alleged Syndicate Leader
Kofi Boateng is suspected of heading the syndicate from 2016 to 2023, coordinating email-based fraud to trick corporate and personal victims into wire-transferring significant sums. The alleged operation defrauded at least one company and eight individuals, extracting well over $100 million .
💼 Wider Crackdown on Ghanaian Cybercrime
Reports suggest this is part of a broader sweep—storming homes of Accra’s so-called “big boys”—allegedly connected to international fraud networks . A Facebook page reported 15 arrests linked to romance and wire fraud, though official sources haven’t confirmed the full number .
📌 What’s Next?
Extradition proceedings to the U.S. are underway, with Ghana’s Interior Ministry issuing warrants at Washington’s request in March 2025 . Ghanaian authorities continue to cooperate with global partners in the global fight against cybercrime.