Home / Crime and Justice / Elderly Targeted: Fraudster Admits Sham Romance Scheme
Elderly Targeted: Fraudster Admits Sham Romance Scheme
5 Jul
Summary
- Joseph Kwadwo Badu Boateng pleaded guilty to felony wire fraud conspiracy.
- The scheme defrauded elderly victims through sham romances and inheritance lies.
- Boateng was extradited from Ghana and faces restitution of approximately $4.4 million.
Joseph Kwadwo Badu Boateng, identified as "Dada Joe Remix," has admitted guilt in a significant fraud operation. He pleaded guilty to felony Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, as confirmed by Arizona Justice Department officials. This plea agreement details a decade-long scheme, from 2013 to March 2023, involving romance and inheritance fraud targeting seniors nationwide.
Boateng's arrest occurred in Ghana on May 27, 2025, leading to his extradition to the United States in June 2025, where he has remained in custody. The fraud relied on building trust with victims before requesting money, often through false claims of inherited gold and jewels requiring fees for release. This case underscores the severe financial and emotional impact of such scams on the elderly.
Federal prosecutors achieved Boateng's extradition and prosecution, demonstrating a commitment to tackling international fraud. The restitution agreement totals approximately $4.4 million, a significant amount in a difficult-to-recover area of crime. The case highlights the growing need for digital safety awareness among vulnerable populations.
