Matilda Omonaiye/
A Ghanaian national, Derrick “Van” Yeboah, has pleaded guilty in a United States federal court to his role in a large-scale cyber fraud scheme that stole more than $10 million from American victims, U.S. authorities have confirmed.
Yeboah, who was extradited to the United States in August 2025, admitted to participating in a sophisticated criminal network that operated from Ghana and targeted victims through romance scams and business email compromise (BEC) schemes.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the Ghana-based criminal organization to which Yeboah belonged collectively defrauded victims of more than $100 million, making it one of the significant transnational cyber fraud cases prosecuted in recent years.
Investigators said the group used a combination of online deception, fake identities, and email hacking tactics to manipulate victims into transferring large sums of money.
In romance scams, fraudsters typically create false online personas on dating platforms and social media to build emotional relationships with victims before requesting money for fabricated emergencies or investment opportunities.
Business email compromise schemes, on the other hand, involve hackers infiltrating or spoofing corporate email accounts to trick businesses into wiring funds to fraudulent accounts.
U.S. authorities said Yeboah played a key role in facilitating financial transactions and coordinating parts of the fraud operation that targeted individuals and businesses across the United States.
Officials emphasized that the case reflects growing international cooperation in tackling cybercrime networks that operate across borders.
“The United States is working closely with the Government of Ghana and other international partners to investigate and prosecute cyber and transnational criminals perpetrating crimes against Americans,” the Justice Department said.
Law enforcement agencies have increasingly intensified efforts to dismantle cyber fraud syndicates operating in West Africa and other regions, particularly those responsible for romance scams and business email compromise schemes that have cost victims billions of dollars globally.
Authorities say the prosecution of Yeboah sends a strong message that cross-border cybercrime will not go unpunished, even when perpetrators operate outside U.S. territory.
The case remains part of ongoing investigations into members of the wider fraud network believed to have participated in the schemes.
U.S. officials reiterated their warning to the public to remain vigilant when engaging in online relationships or financial communications, noting that many cyber fraud operations rely on social engineering tactics designed to exploit trust and emotional vulnerability.
The Justice Department stressed that international collaboration will remain central to efforts aimed at dismantling global cybercrime syndicates targeting American citizens and businesses.
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