Ghanaian Man Sentenced to 85 Months for Romance Scam Scheme That Stole More Than $10 Million
Summary
Derrick Van Yeboah was sentenced to 85 months after pleading guilty to wire-fraud conspiracy involving more than $10 million in romance-scam proceeds. Officials linked his Ghana-based organization to over $100 million in losses.
Key points
- Van Yeboah was sentenced to 85 months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and agreed to forfeit $10.15 million.
- From February 2015 to October 2024, he impersonated romantic partners and communicated directly with victims online.
- Authorities identified at least 20 victims; some were deceived into forming companies and unknowingly laundering funds from other victims.
- Officials linked the Ghana-based criminal organization to more than $100 million stolen through romance scams and business email compromises.
- Van Yeboah was arrested in Ghana in June 2025 and extradited to the United States two months later.
Article Details
- Event Type
- Sentencing of a participant in a romance-scam and wire-fraud conspiracy.
- Impact
- Derrick Van Yeboah was sentenced to 85 months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Authorities identified at least 20 victims and said he helped steal more than $10 million; the Ghana-based criminal organization he belonged to was linked to more than $100 million in losses. Victims suffered financial and emotional harm, and Van Yeboah agreed to forfeit $10.15 million.
People
Threat Actors
Countries
GhanaHe was a high-ranking member of a Ghana-based criminal organization linked to over $100 million in losses and was extradited to the United States after his arrest in Ghana.United StatesHe was a high-ranking member of a Ghana-based criminal organization linked to over $100 million in losses and was extradited to the United States after his arrest in Ghana.