Ghanaian admits defrauding U.S. senior citizens of $4.4m in inheritance scam

A Ghanaian national, Joseph Kwadwo Badu Boateng, popularly known as “Dada Joe Remix,” has pleaded guilty in the United States to conspiracy to commit wire fraud over his role in a multimillion-dollar romance and inheritance scam that targeted elderly victims.

Boateng, who was extradited from Ghana to the U.S. in June 2025, admitted to participating in the fraudulent scheme that operated between 2013 and March 2023.

According to court documents, Boateng and his co-conspirators deceived elderly victims in Arizona and across the United States by posing as romantic partners through online dating platforms, text messages and other electronic communications.

The conspirators also falsely claimed they had inherited gold and jewellery but needed victims to pay taxes and other fees before the supposed assets could be released.

As part of his plea agreement, Boateng accepted responsibility for losses directly linked to his role in the scheme and agreed to pay approximately $4.4 million in restitution to the victims.

Boateng was arrested in Ghana on May 27, 2025, following an extradition request from U.S. authorities. He has remained in custody since his arrest.

His sentencing has been scheduled for September 8, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Angela M. Martinez.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Phoenix Division through its Sierra Vista office, while the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona is prosecuting the case.

U.S. authorities acknowledged the support of the FBI Legal Attaché in Accra, Ghana’s Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice, the Economic and Organised Crime Office, Ghana Police Service INTERPOL, and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs in securing Boateng’s extradition.