Ghanaian Twin Brothers, US Woman Face Up to 20 Years Over $9m Romance Scam

Twin brothers from Ghana and a 53-year-old American woman are facing up to 20 years in prison each after pleading guilty to their roles in an international romance scam that defrauded victims of more than $9 million.

The brothers, Jamal Abubakari and Kamal Abubakari, both 22, and their co-defendant, Amanda Joy Opoku-Boachie, entered guilty pleas to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in October 2026.

According to court documents, the scheme operated between July 2024 and April 2026. During that period, the defendants allegedly used fake identities on dating platforms and social media to establish relationships with unsuspecting victims.

Investigators said the individuals posed as romantic partners, gained their targets’ trust and subsequently persuaded them to transfer money into bank accounts controlled by members of the network.

The victims were reportedly located across 25 US states, including Ohio, as well as Germany and Austria. Investigators also said some of the proceeds were transferred to alleged accomplices in Ghana and other locations, indicating that the operation extended across international borders.

As part of their plea agreements, the defendants agreed to forfeit jewellery and luxury items seized during their arrests. The reported items included expensive watches, rings, chains, medallions and earrings.

Each defendant faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment for the conspiracy charge. However, the maximum penalty does not mean they will automatically receive the full term, as their actual sentences will be determined by the court.

The Abubakari brothers are scheduled to be sentenced on February 9, 2027, while Opoku-Boachie is expected to appear for sentencing on February 10, 2027.

The case highlights how romance scams can exploit emotional trust to facilitate financial fraud, with victims targeted through online platforms and money moved across jurisdictions.