Two Ghanaian twin brothers and an American woman have pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud older people of more than $9 million through romance scams, the Punch Nigeria news agency reported.
The three defendants allegedly created fake online personas to court senior victims, promising romantic relationships while coaxing them into sending large sums of money. Over the course of the scheme, the fraudsters extracted the reported $9 million from a number of elderly individuals.
By entering guilty pleas, the twins and the American woman acknowledged their role in the conspiracy to defraud. The pleas were accepted by a court, though details of any forthcoming sentencing were not disclosed in the report.
Romance scams have become a prominent form of financial fraud, often targeting seniors who may be more vulnerable to emotional manipulation. According to law‑enforcement agencies, such scams can result in substantial monetary losses and emotional distress for victims.
Authorities continue to investigate and prosecute online fraud networks, emphasizing the need for public awareness and vigilance when engaging in digital relationships, especially for older adults who are frequently targeted.
<small>Source: Punch Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>