Ghanaian twin brothers Jamal Abubakari and Kamal Abubakari have pleaded guilty in the United States to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in an international romance scam that cost victims more than $9 million.
According to the US Department of Justice, the brothers belonged to an international criminal network that targeted older Americans through dating websites and social media platforms between July 2024 and April 2026.
“Court documents show that the network members used fake identities to build close relationships with their victims, often presenting themselves as romantic partners. Thus, exploit the victims’ trust by inventing stories and persuading them to transfer money into financial accounts controlled by members of the network. The scam affected victims across 25 US states, as well as Germany and Austria. In northern Ohio, some of the victims lived in Edgerton, Williams County. The victims collectively lost more than $9 million through the scheme.”
Further , as part of their plea agreements, the defendants have agreed to forfeit jewellery that authorities seized during their arrests. In addition, each defendant faces a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. However, a federal district court judge will determine the sentences after considering the US Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant legal factors.
The Abubakari brothers are scheduled to appear for sentencing on February 9, 2027, while Opoku-Boachie is expected to be sentenced on February 10, 2027.
The case forms part of the US Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative, which coordinates efforts to combat financial fraud, abuse and scams targeting older people.
