A Ghanaian man has pleaded guilty in a United States federal court for his role in a massive international romance scam that defrauded victims of millions of dollars. The case highlights growing concerns over online fraud schemes targeting vulnerable individuals through social media and dating platforms.
Derrick Van Yeboah Admits Role in Major Fraud Scheme
Derrick Van Yeboah, a 40-year-old Ghanaian also known as “Van,” pleaded guilty in a U.S. federal court to conspiracy to commit wire fraud after authorities linked him to an international cybercrime network.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, the criminal operation primarily operated from Ghana and targeted victims across the United States through online romance scams and business email compromise schemes.
Romance Scams Targeted Vulnerable Victims
Investigators say many victims were elderly men and women who believed they had formed genuine romantic relationships online. Fraudsters allegedly used fake identities on dating sites and social media platforms to build emotional trust with victims.
After establishing relationships, the scammers reportedly convinced victims to send large sums of money under various pretenses, including emergencies, travel expenses, or investment opportunities.
Authorities say that in several cases, victims were unknowingly manipulated into assisting the fraud network by transferring money from other victims, effectively becoming part of the laundering process.
Over $100 Million Stolen in International Scheme
U.S. investigators revealed that the wider criminal enterprise stole and laundered more than $100 million from victims across the United States.
According to federal prosecutors, funds obtained through the scams were eventually transferred to accounts and intermediaries in West Africa as part of the laundering operation.
International cybercrime investigations by agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation have repeatedly warned that romance scams remain one of the fastest-growing forms of online fraud globally.
$10 Million Directly Linked to Van Yeboah
Prosecutors said Derrick Van Yeboah personally carried out several of the romance scams, posing as a romantic partner while communicating with victims online.
Through these fraudulent relationships, he managed to steal more than $10 million from victims.
As part of his guilty plea, he agreed to restitution and forfeiture totaling $10,149,429.17.
Sentencing Scheduled for June 2026
Van Yeboah faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison under U.S. law for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Sentencing has been scheduled for June 3, 2026.
U.S. authorities continue to warn the public to remain cautious when forming relationships online and to avoid sending money to individuals they have not met in person.
Readers can follow more international crime and security updates on GhanaMedia.net.
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