A Ghanaian national has pleaded guilty to his role in a large-scale cyber fraud scheme that used romance scams and business email compromise tactics to steal more than $100 million from victims across the United States.
Derrick Van Yeboah, also known as “Van,” admitted to participating in a wire fraud conspiracy linked to an international criminal organization. The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton.
“Derrick Van Yeboah pled guilty today to a massive criminal scheme targeting elderly men and women in online romance scams,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.
“Many New Yorkers search for companionship online, and no one deserves to have their vulnerability met with fraud and theft. Van Yeboah cruelly exploited those vulnerabilities for over $10 million in illicit profit. Today’s plea is a reminder to be vigilant online—especially on dating websites, never give money to someone you just met—and if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
International Network Behind Online Romance Scams
According to court filings, Van Yeboah was part of a criminal group primarily based in Ghana that ran romance scams and business email compromise attacks against individuals and businesses in the United States.
The group targeted victims through fake online identities, often pretending to be romantic partners on dating platforms or social media. Once a relationship was established, victims were persuaded to send money to help with fabricated emergencies or personal crises.
These online romance scams relied on emotional manipulation rather than technical hacking. Investigators say many of the victims were older men and women who believed they were in genuine relationships with people they had met online.
In several cases, victims were also manipulated into helping move money received from other victims. This allowed the criminal network to expand its fraud operations and move stolen funds through multiple channels.
Romance Scams and Business Email Compromise Combined
Authorities say the group did not rely only on romance scams. Members of the conspiracy also carried out business email compromise (BEC) attacks.
In these incidents, businesses were deceived into transferring money after receiving fraudulent emails that appeared to come from trusted contacts or partners. The funds were then routed through accounts linked to the criminal enterprise.
By combining online romance scams with BEC fraud, the group was able to steal and launder more than $100 million from victims.
Once the money was collected, investigators say the proceeds were transferred and laundered through various channels before being moved to West Africa.
Van Yeboah Directly Ran Several Romance Scams
Prosecutors say Van Yeboah personally carried out several romance scams, communicating directly with victims while pretending to be a romantic partner.
Through these conversations, he convinced victims to transfer large sums of money. Authorities say he is responsible for stealing more than $10 million through these schemes alone.
The case demonstrates how romance scam operators often build long-term relationships with victims to maintain trust and continue extracting money over time.
Van Yeboah, 40, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud before U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
He has also agreed to pay restitution and forfeiture totaling $10,149,429.17.
The final sentence will be decided by the court. Van Yeboah is scheduled to be sentenced on June 3, 2026.
Growing Threat of Romance Scams
Law enforcement agencies have repeatedly warned that romance scams remain one of the fastest-growing forms of cyber fraud. Unlike many cybercrimes that rely on technical vulnerabilities, these scams depend on social engineering and emotional manipulation.
The case also shows how online romance scams can evolve into complex international fraud networks involving money laundering and business email compromise.
For investigators, dismantling these operations often requires cooperation between multiple countries and law enforcement agencies.
The FBI led the investigation in this case, with assistance from Ghanaian authorities and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs. The prosecution is being handled by the Southern District of New York’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit.
