In a major move against international fraud targeting elderly Americans, U.S. authorities have unsealed three separate indictments involving Ghanaian nationals. The charges are part of a broader federal crackdown on transnational romance scams and were announced by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in observance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
Among those indicted is Joseph Kwadwo Badu Boateng, also known as “Dada Joe Remix”, who was charged in the District of Arizona on May 30, 2025. According to court documents, Boateng and his co-conspirators operated a romance and inheritance scam between 2013 and 2023, deceiving elderly victims into believing they were entitled to gold and jewels. The victims were then coerced into paying fictitious taxes and fees to release these non-existent assets.
Boateng was arrested in Ghana on May 28 under a U.S. extradition request and is currently awaiting transfer to the United States. He faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. The FBI is leading the investigation.
A second indictment, unsealed on June 4 in the Northern District of Ohio, charges Dwayne Asafo Adjei, David Onyinye Abuanekwu, Nancy Adom, Eric Aidoo, and Nader Wasif with similar offenses. Prosecutors allege that between December 2017 and March 2024, the group orchestrated schemes involving false romantic relationships and fraudulent business claims, all aimed at defrauding elderly U.S. citizens.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the group laundered the proceeds and shared funds with accomplices in Ghana and other countries. “The defendants used various wire fraud and romance fraud schemes — often targeting elderly individuals — to obtain funds by means of false pretenses,” the statement noted.
In a third related case, unsealed on May 13, also in the Northern District of Ohio, Otuo Amponsah, Anna Amponsah, Hannah Adom, Portia Joe, Abdoul Issaka Assimiou, and again, Dwayne Asafo Adjei, were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. Investigators allege that this group, too, exploited elderly victims through fake romantic relationships and promises of wealth.
All three cases were investigated by the FBI and form part of a DOJ-wide initiative to disrupt global fraud operations preying on seniors.
“Prosecutors across the country are stepping up the fight against malicious schemes that target older Americans,” said U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “We are working with domestic law enforcement and foreign counterparts every day to hold criminals accountable and ensure that justice is done for our seniors both here at home and abroad.”
The Department of Justice emphasized that romance fraud remains one of the most prevalent tactics used by global fraud networks, particularly targeting older, socially isolated individuals. These scams often originate on social media or dating platforms, gradually evolving into elaborate schemes aimed at stealing victims’ life savings.
While the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty, U.S. authorities are actively pursuing extraditions and reaffirming their commitment to international cooperation—especially with countries like Ghana, which have been identified as significant hubs for these criminal operations.
The DOJ urges anyone who believes they or someone they know may have been a victim of elder fraud to report the crime. Assistance is available through the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11, or via the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov.
