There were 40 confirmed victims between 2017 and 2024, but the total number of suspected victims of fraud was 99, according to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

Fawaz Ali, 27, Ebenezer Tackie, 42 and Michael Quartey, 28, were found guilty of money laundering offences and sentenced to four years and 10 months, four years and six months, and five years and six months in prison, respectively, at Guildford Crown Court on Tuesday.

Kwabena Edusei, 37, was sentenced to seven years and 10 months, while George Melseaux, 40, was sentenced to three years and nine months.

One victim stated: “I lost my home as I could not keep up with the cost of rising bills.

“I feel so embarrassed and ashamed that I was scammed, so I have not told anyone about this and have lied to my family and friends.

“I am very wary when any man tries to get close to me, as I always wonder if he will try and scam me.”

Another victim said: “It’s ruined me as a person; it took years for me to start to trust anyone again.”

“How can people live with themselves after the hurt they create and the long-lasting damage they leave behind?”

Victims were asked for money to cover fake expenses, including fines in remote locations or urgent travel costs. They transferred money to the bank accounts of the men or even sent cash in the post, according to the CPS.

“The men used flirtatious language to manipulate people into thinking they were entering into a genuine, loving and caring relationship”, a CPS spokesperson said.

The majority of the transactions were conducted in the UK with some overseas victims identified throughout Europe, the USA and Australia.

“The criminals here showed complete disregard for their victims, who were met on an online dating website for the sole purpose of exploiting and scamming them out of money, said Jane Mitchell, a specialist CPS prosecutor.

“They used grooming tactics to gain trust, which caused terrible emotional distress to victims.”

Source: BBC

ALSO READ:

• Romance scam suspect Dada Joe Remix extradited to U.S. to face charges

• Ghanaian arrested in US over $5m romance scam syndicate

• Interpol arrests 260 across Africa; 68 Ghanaians implicated in online romance scams

They are Isaac Oduro Boateng, aka “Kofi Boat”; Inusah Ahmed, aka “Pascal”; Derrick Van Yeboah, aka “Van”; and Patrick Kwame Asare, aka “Borgar,” for their roles in an international criminal organisation that stole more than $100 million from victims via romance scams and business email compromises.

They further announced Ghana’s extradition of Boateng, Ahmed, and Van Yeboah, who arrived in the U.S. on August 7, 2025, and will be presented today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger.

Asare remains at large while the case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian.

“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 Jay 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.”

“The defendants have been brought to the United States to be held accountable for their alleged roles in scamming companies and vulnerable Americans out of over $100 million,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia.

“Deceiving businesses using email compromise campaigns and tricking innocent elderly victims through fraudulent companionship in order to exploit their trust and finances 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.”

As alleged in the Indictment:

Boateng, Ahmed, Van Yeboah, and Asare were high-ranking members of a criminal organization based in Ghana that committed romance scams and business email compromises against individuals and businesses located across the U.S.

Many of the conspiracy’s victims were vulnerable older men and women who were tricked into believing that they were in online romantic relationships with people who were, in fact, fake identities assumed by members of the conspiracy.

Once members of the conspiracy had gained the trust of their victims, they deceived those victims into sending their money to the enterprise or into helping them launder funds from other victims.

The conspirators also committed business email compromises to trick and deceive businesses into wiring funds to the enterprise. In total, the conspiracy stole and laundered more than $100 million from dozens of victims.

After stealing the money, the fraud proceeds were then laundered to West Africa, where they were largely funneled to individuals called “chairmen,” who directed the activities of other members of the conspiracy.  Boateng and Ahmed were considered chairmen of the organization.

Boateng, 36; Ahmed, 40; Van Yeboah, 40; and Asare, 39, each of Ghana, are charged with one count of wire fraud conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of money laundering conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of conspiracy to receive stolen money, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; and one count of receipt of stolen money, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.

Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the FBI. He also thanked Ghana and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs for their assistance.

The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with the International Cooperation Unit of the Office of the Attorney-General of Ghana to secure the extraditions to the United States.

Ghana’s Economic and Organized Crime Office, the Ghana Police Service – INTERPOL, Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority, and Ghana’s National Intelligence Bureau all provided significant assistance to ensure the success of these extraditions.

The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Mead and Mitzi Steiner are in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Source: Justice.gov

ALSO READ:

• Romance scam suspect Dada Joe Remix extradited to U.S. to face charges

• Ghanaian arrested in US over $5m romance scam syndicate

The President of the Immigration Ladies Association (IMMILA), Chief Superintendent of Immigration Nana Nyarkoa, has urged the youth to be vigilant and avoid trusting people they only know through the internet.

“Scammers work hard to trick you into thinking the relationship is real, then manipulate you to get your money. They can spend years building your trust,” she warned.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Immigration Ladies Association at the Immigration Training School in Assin Fosu, she explained that scammers often use social media, dating sites, gaming apps, and websites to target individuals looking for love and friendship.

“They create fake profiles, sometimes pretending to be famous people. They might also call or message frequently to make you feel special. This tactic is known as ‘love bombing’, and Ghanaians must be on the lookout for it,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner of Immigration (DCOI), Alex Adu, who served as the guest speaker at the event, charged members of the Immigration Ladies Association to work hard to enhance the image of the service.

READ ALSO:

• Mahama’s first 120 days a total letdown – Afenyo-Markin
• Declare assets or face consequences – Gender Minister

The sentencing took place in New York under U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken.

Montrage, known for her social media presence, was arrested in the United Kingdom on November 10, 2022, and extradited to the United States on May 12, 2023.

The charges against her included conspiracy to receive stolen money, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

Montrage pled guilty to these charges on February 21, 2024, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave.

Timeline of Legal Proceedings

• November 10, 2022: Arrested in the United Kingdom.
• May 12, 2023: Extradited to the United States.
• February 21, 2024: Pled guilty to conspiracy to receive stolen money.
• June 3, 2024: Initial sentencing date, postponed to June 28.
• June 28, 2024: Sentenced to one year and one day in prison.

The Scam

Montrage was involved in romance scams that targeted vulnerable senior citizens, promising them marriage and subsequently defrauding them of their money.

Over a six-year period, 32 victims lost approximately $1.4 million. Montrage laundered the proceeds through multiple bank accounts she opened in her name.

Courtroom Details

During the sentencing, the Assistant U.S. Attorney highlighted the severity of Montrage’s actions and the impact on the victims.

“The victims were vulnerable senior citizens. Some were promised marriage; they sent and lost money,” said the prosecutor. Montrage’s defense argued for a lighter sentence, citing her abusive relationship with a former boyfriend who was also involved in the scams.

Montrage expressed remorse in court, stating, “I want to pay them back. I feel shame as a mother of an 8-year-old daughter. Please have mercy on me,” before breaking into sobs.

Sentence and Consequences

Judge Oetken sentenced Montrage to one year and one day in prison, allowing her the possibility of “good time” credit, which can reduce her sentence by a few days. Additionally, Montrage agreed to pay $2,164,758.41 in forfeiture and restitution.

In light of her sentence, Montrage’s defense requested that she be allowed to return to Ghana immediately after her release to avoid detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The prosecution consented to this request.

Wider Impact

The case has garnered significant attention in Ghana, with many following the proceedings closely. The U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized the need for a sentence that would serve as a general deterrence, given the media coverage and the influence Montrage had in Ghana.

Montrage’s case underscores the severe consequences of participating in romance scams and highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to prosecute such crimes.

The influencer’s sentencing aims to send a strong message about the importance of integrity and the legal repercussions of fraud.

VLOG II June 28: Ghana influencer Mona Faiz Montrage a/k/a @Hajia4Reall was this afternoon sentenced to a year and a day in US prison then flight straight back to Ghana, no ICE – @SDNYLIVE Inner City Press thread: https://t.co/nv5NDDuPCK pic.twitter.com/SAOVBRrS6D

— Inner City Press (@innercitypress) June 28, 2024

For more detailed coverage, visit Substack. The case is listed as US v. Montrage, 22-cr-617 (Oetken).

MORE:

• How to successfully secure a U.S Visa [Listen]
• Majority shakes up leadership in Parliament
• Manager convicted for assaulting worker over GH¢90 shortage

Laura Kowal, 57, had been in a relationship with a man she met on Match.com called ‘Frank Borg’ for over a year when her body was discovered in the Mississippi River in August 2020.  

Her daughter, Kelly Gowe, received a call from a federal agent notifying her that her mother had been a victim of a scam and when she tried to contact her mother, discovered that she was missing.

While trying to find clues of where her mother went, Gowe told CBS News she found records that showed Kowal had wired Borg – who turned out to be a fake name – $1.5 million and a haunting note.

‘I’ve been living a double life this past year. It has left me broke and broken. Yes, it involves Frank, the man I met through online dating. I tried to stop this, many times, but I knew I would end up dead,’ Kowal wrote her daughter in a haunting letter.

On August 7, 2020, Kowal’s body was discovered near Canton, Missouri – nearly four hours from her home in Galena, Illinois – and her car was recovered nearly 50 miles from her body, reported WTVO. 

No formal ruling has been given for Kowal’s manner of death, but her autopsy determined she died by drowning. 

‘It’s the scammers, It’s the criminals behind those emails. It’s Frank Borg… this character. He killed my mom,’ Gowe said.

‘And everyone that is involved in this scam in any capacity, that’s moving the money, that’s placing a phone call, that’s hitting “enter” and “send” on an email — they’re all responsible for my mom’s death.’ 

Emails shared to CBS News showed within weeks of virtually meeting in 2018, Kowal and Borg were sharing emails telling each other they were in love despite having never met in person and he convinced her to send him money.

‘She had all these buckets full in her life, my mom did, but there was this one bucket that was missing and that was companionship. And that’s ultimately where we’re at now, is because of that,’ Gowe said.

According to her obituary, Kowal loved tending to her flower and vegetable gardens, participating in local golf leagues and volunteering through therapy dog work with her beloved golden doodle Effie at a nursing home.

Federal agents discovered that Borg’s photos belonged to a Chilean doctor and his emails were traced back to Ghana. 

Nearly 70,000 people reported a romance scam in 2022, according to the Federal Trade Commission, a government watchdog.

Reported losses hit a staggering $1.3 billion and on average, victims lost $4,400.

‘Digital tools are making it easier than ever to target hard-working Americans, and we see the effects of that in the data,’ said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. 

Romance scammers are routinely setting up fake social media profiles to target victims online.

This revelation sheds light on the intricate schemes orchestrated by a criminal enterprise based in West Africa, targeting vulnerable individuals, particularly older citizens, with deceptive tactics.

As Montrage faces legal consequences for her actions, here are the key details surrounding her guilty plea and the broader implications of the romance scam operation she was part of.

1. Guilty Plea: Mona Faiz Montrage, a prominent Ghanaian influencer known as “Hajia4Reall,” pleaded guilty to conspiracy to receive stolen money before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave.

2. Role in Romance Scams: Montrage was involved in laundering the proceeds of a series of romance scams orchestrated by a criminal enterprise based in West Africa.

3. Vulnerable Victims: The romance scams targeted vulnerable, older individuals living alone, deceiving them into believing they were in romantic relationships with fake identities assumed by members of the enterprise.

4. Deceptive Communication: The enterprise used emails, text messages, and social media messages to manipulate victims, convincing them to transfer money to bank accounts controlled by the scammers.

5. Rise to Fame: Montrage gained fame as an influencer through her Instagram profile, which had approximately 3.4 million followers. She was among the top 10 profiles with the most followers in Ghana.

6. Receipt of Fraudulent Funds: Montrage received money from victims of romance frauds, with false pretenses such as transporting gold, resolving fake FBI investigations, and assisting a fake U.S. Army officer.

7. Significant Amount: Bank accounts controlled by Montrage received over $2 million in fraudulent funds from the criminal enterprise.

8. Guilty Plea Details: Montrage, 31, of Accra, Ghana, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to receive stolen money, with a maximum sentence of five years in prison. She also agreed to pay forfeiture and restitution totalling $2,164,758.41.

9. Sentencing: Montrage is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Paul A. Crotty. The maximum potential sentence is provided for informational purposes, as the actual sentencing will be determined by the judge.

10. FBI Involvement: The Federal Bureau of Investigation played a crucial role in investigating and prosecuting the case. The Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit is leading the prosecution.

ALSO READ:

• Hajia4Real pleads guilty in $2m romance scam case

• Hajia4Reall’s guilty plea not reflective of who she is today – Lawyers

The two, who used to be lovers, are currently in a tango after the woman, Fridaus, accused Awal of defrauding her of GHS 26,384.

Taking the matter to Nhyira FM’s flagship programme, ‘Obra’ hosted by Mama Effe Amanor, she indicated that they reached an agreement she would be providing financial aid after Awal facilitated her trip to Saudi.

Aside the funds she sent for his upkeep, she revealed she also sent several thousands of Cedis to Awal for the acquisition of a taxi and a plot of land for construction of a house.

She added that he made constant financial demands which she provided with the hope of returning to Ghana for the paid-for property.

However, it took her return to Ghana to discover her lover had squandered the money on women, and the only property he could account for was a flat as tiny as a hen coop.

All efforts to have him refund the GHS 26, 384 proved futile, hence her decision to drag the matter to Obra to seek counsel before making an official police case.

Watch video below for more: