Ghanaian National Pleads Guilty in $4.4 Million U.S. Elder Fraud and Money Laundering Case

UNITED STATES — A Ghanaian national, Joseph Kwadwo Badu Boateng, also known as “Dada Joe Remix,” has pleaded guilty in a U.S. court to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering in a long-running international scam case.

U.S. prosecutors said Boateng was extradited from Ghana to the United States in June 2025 following a joint investigation involving American and Ghanaian authorities. He admitted to participating in a scheme that defrauded elderly victims in the United States over a period of approximately 10 years.

According to court documents, the scheme involved deceptive online relationships used to manipulate victims into sending money under false pretences. Authorities described the operation as a coordinated fraud network targeting vulnerable individuals.

Boateng has also agreed to pay restitution amounting to approximately $4.4 million as part of his plea agreement.

U.S. officials say the case is part of a wider crackdown on cyber-enabled fraud and transnational criminal networks operating across borders. Authorities also confirmed continued cooperation with the Government of Ghana and international law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute similar cases.

Officials warned that romance-based and online financial scams remain a growing threat, particularly to elderly victims, and urged the public to remain cautious when engaging with unknown individuals online.

Sentencing is expected to take place at a later date.