|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Ghanaian businessman Joseph Kwadwo Badu Boateng, popularly known as Dada Joe Remix, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in the United States as part of a multi-million-dollar romance and inheritance scam.
Boateng entered the guilty plea before a United States court after being extradited from Ghana to face criminal charges.
He was arrested in Ghana on May 27, 2025, following an extradition warrant issued by US authorities. In June 2025, he was extradited to the United States, where he has remained in custody since his arrest.
According to court documents, Boateng admitted in his plea agreement that he and his co-conspirators operated a romance and inheritance fraud scheme between 2013 and March 2023, targeting elderly victims in Arizona and other parts of the United States.
The scheme involved creating fake romantic relationships with victims through online dating platforms, text messages and other electronic communication channels to gain their trust.
Investigators said the fraudsters also falsely claimed they had inherited valuable assets, including gold and precious jewels, and convinced victims to send money to cover taxes, shipping costs and other fabricated fees needed to release the supposed inheritance.
As part of the plea agreement, Boateng accepted responsibility for his role in the conspiracy and agreed to pay approximately $4.4 million in restitution to victims, representing the direct financial losses linked to his involvement in the scheme.
His sentencing has been scheduled for September 8, 2026, before United States District Judge Angela M. Martinez.
The guilty plea marks a significant development in a case that has attracted attention in both Ghana and the United States, following Boateng’s arrest and subsequent extradition last year.
The case highlights the growing international cooperation between Ghanaian and United States law enforcement agencies in tackling cross-border cybercrime and online fraud.
Authorities have repeatedly warned the public, particularly elderly individuals, to exercise caution when engaging with people they meet through online dating platforms and social media.
Romance and inheritance scams remain among the most common forms of internet fraud, often resulting in significant financial losses for victims.
Boateng’s sentencing in September will determine the final penalties he faces, with the court expected to consider both the plea agreement and the scale of the financial harm caused by the scheme.
