A Ghanaian national, Derrick Van Yeboah, has pleaded guilty to stealing more than $10 million from victims through a large-scale online romance scam.
According to prosecutors, Yeboah was part of a criminal network based in Ghana that allegedly targeted vulnerable older men and women online, manipulating them into sending large sums of money under the guise of romantic relationships.
Investigators say the group defrauded dozens of victims, with total losses linked to the wider criminal operation exceeding $100 million.
Authorities also revealed that members of the syndicate carried out business email compromise schemes, a cybercrime tactic where fraudsters impersonate company executives or trusted partners to trick businesses into sending fraudulent wire transfers.
The case forms part of broader international efforts to combat online fraud and financial cybercrime, which has increasingly targeted victims through social media and dating platforms.
