The suspects are alleged to have been engaged in romance scam
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has confirmed that officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) were in the country to arrest and seek the extradition of certain Ghanaian nationals in connection with an alleged fraudulent scheme.
Addressing the nation on June 25, 2025, Ablakwa disclosed that Ghana had fully cooperated with US law enforcement officials to hand over individuals implicated in the $100 million scam to the FBI.
He reiterated the country’s zero tolerance for criminal activity, firmly stating that Ghana and its government are not a safe haven for criminals.
“We do not harbour criminals. You do know that recently we cooperated with the FBI and they were here to remove some suspects involved in the $100 million scam. In terms of deportations, as I told Parliament last week, we have been cooperating with US authorities,” the minister stated.
Ablakwa’s official confirmation follows weeks of widespread public speculation.
Background>
The case involves three Ghanaian nationals who were facing extradition to the United States in connection with a $100 million fraud scheme involving Business Email Compromise (BEC) and romance scams.
The suspects, Isaac Kofi Oduro Boateng, also known as Kofi Boat; a man identified only as Agony; and a third accomplice, were arrested on Friday, June 13, in a joint operation between Interpol and the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The extradition request, issued by the US Department of State and relayed through the US Embassy in Accra, follows a May 2023 indictment by the US District Court for the Southern District of New York.
The court charged the accused with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering in relation to a criminal enterprise operating out of Ghana.
MAG/VPO
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