A 40-year-old Ghanaian man has pleaded guilty in a United States court to his role in an international fraud scheme that stole more than $100m (£79m) from victims through online romance scams and business email compromises.
Derrick Van Yeboah, also known as “Van”, admitted to conspiracy to commit wire fraud before Judge Arun Subramanian at a federal court in New York.
The case was announced by Jay Clayton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York.
International fraud scheme
According to prosecutors, Yeboah was part of a criminal organisation largely based in Ghana that targeted individuals and businesses across the United States.
Authorities say the group carried out romance scams by creating fake online identities and forming relationships with victims, many of whom were elderly people seeking companionship online.
Once trust had been established, victims were persuaded to send money or help transfer funds obtained from other victims.
The organisation also carried out business email compromise schemes, where companies were tricked into wiring money to accounts controlled by the fraud network.
Investigators say the group stole and laundered more than $100m from dozens of victims, with much of the money eventually transferred to West Africa.
Millions stolen
Prosecutors said Yeboah personally conducted several of the romance scams, posing as fictitious romantic partners during online conversations.
He has been held responsible for more than $10m in losses linked directly to his activities.
In a statement, Mr Clayton said the case highlighted the dangers of online fraud.
“Many New Yorkers search for companionship online, and no one deserves to have their vulnerability met with fraud and theft,” he said.
He added that the guilty plea was a reminder for people to remain cautious online and avoid sending money to individuals they have just met on dating platforms.
Possible prison sentence
Yeboah pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
He has also agreed to pay restitution and forfeiture totalling $10,149,429.17.
Sentencing has been scheduled for 3 June 2026.
Investigation
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with support from authorities in Ghana and the U.S. Department of Justice Office of International Affairs.
Prosecutors from the Southern District of New York’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit are handling the case.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
