The United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and FBI New York Field Office Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia announced today the unsealing of an indictment charging four Ghanaian nationals for their roles in a sprawling international criminal enterprise accused of stealing more than $100 million from victims through romance scams and business email compromise schemes.
The defendants — Isaac Oduro Boateng a.k.a. “Kofi Boat,” 36; Inusah Ahmed a.k.a. “Pascal,” 40; Derrick Van Yeboah a.k.a. “Van,” 40; and Patrick Kwame Asare a.k.a. “Borgar,” 39 — are alleged to be high-ranking members of a Ghana-based fraud ring that preyed on vulnerable Americans and targeted businesses across the United States.
On August 7, 2025, Ghana extradited Boateng, Ahmed, and Van Yeboah to the United States, where they will appear today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger. Asare remains at large. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian.
A Global Fraud Network
According to the indictment, the defendants and their co-conspirators engaged in two primary forms of fraud:
Romance Scams – Many victims were older Americans who believed they were in genuine online relationships. After gaining their trust, the conspirators allegedly persuaded victims to send money directly or help launder illicit funds.
Business Email Compromise – Fraudsters are accused of infiltrating or spoofing corporate email systems to trick companies into wiring large sums to accounts controlled by the organization.
Authorities say the scheme defrauded dozens of victims, stealing and laundering over $100 million. Proceeds were allegedly funneled to West Africa, where “chairmen” — including Boateng and Ahmed — directed operations and coordinated the flow of illicit funds.
Law Enforcement Speaks Out
“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 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.”
Raia echoed the sentiment, stating, “Deceiving businesses using email compromise campaigns and tricking innocent elderly victims through fraudulent companionship… 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.”
The Charges
Each defendant is charged with:
Wire Fraud Conspiracy – Maximum 20 years
Wire Fraud – Maximum 20 years
Money Laundering Conspiracy – Maximum 20 years
Conspiracy to Receive Stolen Money – Maximum 5 years
Receipt of Stolen Money – Maximum 10 years
Sentences will ultimately be determined by a federal judge.
International Cooperation
The extraditions were secured through coordinated efforts between the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and Ghana’s Office of the Attorney-General. Ghana’s Economic and Organized Crime Office, the Ghana Police Service – INTERPOL, the Ghana Cyber Security Authority, and the National Intelligence Bureau played key roles in the operation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Mead and Mitzi Steiner of the Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit are prosecuting the case.
The charges in the indictment are merely allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.