The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has unsealed three separate federal indictments involving Ghanaian nationals accused of participating in transnational romance and wire fraud schemes that primarily targeted elderly Americans.

The move comes as part of a broader law enforcement initiative highlighted in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

The cases—filed in different districts—reveal a sophisticated network of fraud schemes that span over a decade and involve millions of dollars funneled through the U.S. and Ghana.

1. United States v. Joseph Kwadwo Badu Boateng (aka “Dada Joe Remix”) — District of Arizona


On May 30, 2025, a grand jury indictment was unsealed charging Joseph Kwadwo Badu Boateng, a Ghanaian citizen known by the alias “Dada Joe Remix,” with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.

According to court documents, from 2013 to 2023, Boateng and his associates executed romance and inheritance scams, deceiving victims—mainly elderly individuals—into believing they were owed valuable gold and jewels, but needed to pay taxes and fees to release them.

Boateng was arrested by Ghanaian authorities on May 28, following a U.S. extradition request. The investigation was led by the FBI.

2. United States v. Otuo Amponsah et al. — Northern District of Ohio


On May 13, 2025, charges were unsealed against six individuals:

  • Otuo Amponsah

  • Anna Amponsah

  • Hannah Adom

  • Portia Joe

  • Abdoul Issaka Assimiou

  • Dwayne Asafo Adjei

They are accused of operating romance and wire fraud schemes between December 2017 and March 2024, which tricked elderly U.S. victims into sending money under false pretenses. The illicit proceeds were then funneled to co-conspirators in Ghana and other locations.

The charges include conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. The FBI led the investigation.

3. United States v. Dwayne Asafo Adjei et al. — Northern District of Ohio


A superseding indictment unsealed on June 4, 2025, expands the previous case to include:

  • David Onyinye Abuanekwu

  • Dwayne Asafo Adjei

  • Nancy Adom

  • Eric Aidoo

  • Nader Wasif

These defendants are also charged with wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies, based on their involvement in similar scams that defrauded elderly victims across the U.S. between 2017 and 2024. The schemes operated under false romantic or financial pretexts, with proceeds allegedly routed to accomplices in Ghana.

Broader Implications


The DOJ's coordinated effort highlights the growing global reach of romance fraud and elder financial abuse, with Ghana playing a central role in the network of suspects. The FBI continues to lead investigations, working with international partners to track and prosecute perpetrators.

The U.S. government reiterated its commitment to protecting seniors from online fraud and dismantling transnational criminal operations that exploit vulnerable populations.