Kofi Boat and Pascal face up to 20 years after US$100m fraud guilty pleas
Two Ghanaian nationals have admitted their involvement in an international criminal network accused of defrauding victims in the United States of more than US$100 million through romance scams and business email fraud.
Isaac Oduro Boateng, popularly known as “Kofi Boat”, and Inusah Ahmed, also known as “Pascal”, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud before a US federal court.
The US Department of Justice said Boateng entered his guilty plea on Thursday, October 29, 2026, while Ahmed admitted his role in the scheme on October 27, 2026, before US District Judge Arun Subramanian.
The two men reportedly served as chairmen of the syndicate, which was largely based in Ghana and targeted individuals and businesses across the United States.
How the syndicate operated
According to the Department of Justice, members of the network used fabricated online identities to build relationships with victims, particularly older men and women.
After gaining their trust, the fraudsters persuaded victims to send money or assist in transferring funds generated through other criminal activities.
The group also carried out business email compromise schemes, in which it deceived companies into transferring money into bank accounts controlled by the syndicate.
Investigators found that the network had stolen and laundered more than US$100 million from dozens of victims.
Restitution and possible prison terms
As part of their guilty pleas, Boateng has agreed to pay US$12.5 million in restitution and forfeiture, while Ahmed is responsible for approximately US$28.5 million.
Both men pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, an offence that carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.
Their sentencing dates have not yet been announced.
Meanwhile, another member of the network, Derrick Van Yeboah, known as “Van”, has been sentenced to 85 months in prison.
Patrick Kwame Asare, also known as “Borgar”, who is identified as an alleged accomplice, remains at large.
Ghana-US cooperation
Boateng and Ahmed were extradited to the United States on August 7, 2025, following cooperation between Ghanaian and American law enforcement authorities.
The US Department of Justice acknowledged the support of several Ghanaian institutions in the investigation and extradition process.
They include the Attorney General’s Office, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), Ghana Police Service, Cyber Security Authority, Ghana Immigration Service, National Intelligence Bureau and Financial Intelligence Centre.
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