Accra, Ghana, became the focal point of a major international cybercrime investigation in June 2025, when the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in conjunction with Interpol and Ghanaian officials, detained many people suspected of organising massive internet fraud schemes.
These activities, which comprised Business Email Compromise (BEC) and romance scams, allegedly scammed victims—mostly in the United States—of more than $100 million.
On June 13, 2025, three Ghanaian citizens were arrested in Accra as part of a combined investigation by the FBI and Interpol. A fourth suspect remains at large.
The major suspects apprehended are Isaac Kofi Oduro Boateng (alias Kofi Boat), a man known as Agony, and a third unnamed accomplice. Boateng is alleged to be the syndicate’s ringleader.
allegations: The defendants face allegations of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, and extradition proceedings are ongoing to bring them to the United States for trial.
Fraud Schemes: Business Email Compromise (BEC)
The syndicate impersonated corporate authorities and used forged email accounts to deceive staff into authorising huge wire transactions.
Fake authorisation letters with forged signatures were utilised to lend legitimacy to the schemes.
Victims, including at least one business and eight individuals, mistakenly deposited hundreds of thousands of dollars to syndicate-controlled accounts.
Romance scams
The organisation also targeted vulnerable people, particularly the elderly, via email, text message, and online dating sites.
Victims were duped into believing they were in love relationships and then persuaded to give money under false pretences, such as phoney emergencies or business prospects.
Social Media and Public Reaction.
The arrests triggered widespread discussion on social media, particularly on X (previously Twitter), with many Ghanaians expressing joy and relief with the crackdown.
Some users believe that the arrests will help restore order and minimise the peer pressure that so-called “fraud boys” put on young males in Accra.
There is conjecture that evidence provided by Mona, also known as Hajia 4 Real—a Ghanaian influencer who was previously jailed in the United States for a romance scam—may have helped the FBI’s probe.
Many powerful persons in Accra have reportedly gone into hiding as a result of the crackdown, fearing additional arrest and extradition.
Legal and Diplomatic Developments
Following an indictment by the US District Court for the Southern District of New York in 2023, the US Department of State made an extradition request through their embassy in Accra.
In March 2025, Ghana’s Minister of Interior issued the arrest warrant, which authorised the detentions.
On June 16, 2025, an Accra magistrate court remanded the suspects to police custody until further hearings.
Broader Context
The FBI’s operations are part of a bigger effort to destroy worldwide fraud networks targeting US persons and businesses, in which Ghanaian authorities have played an important role in recent years.
Previous cases have seen other West African people extradited from Ghana to the United States for similar cybercrimes, demonstrating the country’s cooperation with American law enforcement.
The FBI’s recent operation in Accra is an important milestone in the fight against international cybercrime. The arrests not only halted a significant fraud syndicate but also sent a powerful message to those who engage in similar operations.
As extradition processes continue, the case highlights the significance of international cooperation in combating sophisticated internet fraud schemes.
