A Ghanaian national, Derrick Van Yeboah, also known as “Van”, has pleaded guilty in a United States court for his prominent role in a sophisticated international online fraud scheme. This extensive operation defrauded dozens of victims, primarily across the United States, of more than $100 million through cunning romance scams and intricate business email compromises (BEC). The 40-year-old entered his guilty plea before Judge Arun Subramanian at the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on Thursday, March 5.

U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton, in announcing the plea, highlighted how the scheme cruelly exploited the emotional vulnerability of individuals seeking companionship online. Van Yeboah admitted to participating in a large-scale cybercrime enterprise, largely operated from Ghana, which relied on fabricated online identities and romantic relationships to deceive victims into sending substantial sums of money. Conspirators would gradually build trust with targets before manipulating them into transferring their life savings or other funds under false pretenses.

Investigators revealed that many of the targeted individuals were elderly men and women who genuinely believed they were communicating with legitimate romantic partners. Once victims were persuaded, the stolen funds were channeled through a complex network of accounts before being laundered and funneled back to West Africa. Beyond individual heartbreak, the criminal syndicate also engaged in corporate sabotage through Business Email Compromise (BEC) tactics, tricking American companies into wiring millions of dollars into accounts controlled by the group.

Derrick Van Yeboah was identified as a key operative within this Ghana-based organization, personally conducting several of these romance scams by communicating directly with victims while posing as fictitious romantic partners. He has been held responsible for personally stealing more than $10 million, specifically $10,149,429.17, through these fraudulent interactions.

Under the terms of his plea agreement, Van Yeboah admitted to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison under U.S. law. He has also agreed to pay full restitution and forfeiture amounting to $10,149,429.17, representing the proceeds of the crimes attributed to him. Judge Subramanian is scheduled to pronounce his sentence on June 3, 2026.

The successful investigation was a collaborative effort led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), with significant support from authorities in Ghana and the United States Department of Justice Office of International Affairs. Prosecutors from the Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York are handling the case. U.S. Attorney Clayton issued a stern warning to the public, particularly internet users on dating platforms, to remain vigilant against “too good to be true” scenarios, emphasizing that no one deserves to have their vulnerability met with fraud and theft.