BY DANIEL BAMPOE
A string of high-profile criminal investigations over the past 18 months has brought several Ghanaian entrepreneurs, socialites and self-styled “big men” under the spotlight, with cases ranging from an alleged multimillion-dollar cocaine shipment to France and other destinations to international romance-fraud operations targeting elderly victims in the United States.
The cases involve individuals with markedly different backgrounds, but they share one striking feature: their names have emerged in investigations extending beyond Ghana’s borders, with some suspects facing proceedings in Ghana and others extradited to the United States.
Importantly, the cases are at different stages. Several of the individuals have been charged but have denied the allegations, while one person on the list has pleaded guilty and agreed to restitution. The charges against those who have not been convicted remain allegations. One of the most closely watched cases involves Jessica Hartog, who allegedly owned Beauty Lounge in Shiashie, Accra.
Hartog, 34, is among four people facing charges in Ghana over an alleged attempt to export approximately four tonnes of suspected cocaine from Ghana to France. The shipment has reportedly been valued at about US$261 million.
According to the case information, French authorities intercepted a 40-foot container containing plastic waste at the port of Dunkirk. Investigators reportedly discovered approximately four tonnes of substances suspected to be cocaine inside the container.
Hartog was arrested alongside businessman Desmond Koranteng Curiel, popularly known as “Biggs”. Two other suspects, Musah Atta and Kweku Okyere, were subsequently arrested, while a fifth suspect identified as Jos Leudekkers, also known as “Bolle Jos”, remained at large at the time of the report.
Hartog reportedly told investigators that Curiel was her fiancé and that she was unaware of the nature and details of his business activities. All four accused persons have pleaded not guilty and were remanded in custody. They are scheduled to return to court on October 13, 2026.
Another case has taken a Ghanaian suspect from a local arrest to the US justice system. Frederick Kumi, also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng or “Abu Trica,” is facing criminal proceedings in the United States over an alleged romance-fraud operation targeting elderly Americans.
US prosecutors allege that Kumi was part of a network that defrauded more than 80 elderly victims of over US$8 million. According to the allegations, members of the network created false identities on dating platforms and social media, developed romantic relationships with victims and subsequently persuaded them to transfer money under fabricated circumstances.
Investigators allege that some of the schemes involved stories about gold or diamond inheritances, with proceeds allegedly channelled through Ghanaian associates and accounts. Kumi was arrested in Ghana on December 11, 2025, before being extradited to the United States in July 2026.
The US Department of Justice has also said assets seized during the investigation included a mansion in Ghana, a Lamborghini, a Tesla Cybertruck, a Mercedes-Benz and a BMW. Isaac Oduro Boateng, popularly known as Kofi Boat, is another Ghanaian businessman whose name has featured in an international fraud investigation.
US prosecutors allege that Boateng was a senior member of a Ghana-based criminal organisation involved in romance scams and business email compromises that allegedly stole and laundered more than US$100 million.
He was charged alongside Inusah Ahmed, Derrick Van Yeboah and Patrick Kwame Asare with offences including wire-fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, money-laundering conspiracy and receiving stolen money.
Boateng, Ahmed and Van Yeboah were extradited from Ghana to the United States in August 2025, while Asare remained at large at the time of the US Department of Justice announcement. The case attracted attention in Ghana partly because Boateng’s lawyers had previously described him as a businessman involved in the frozen-food business.
For Joseph Kwadwo Badu Boateng, popularly known as “Dada Joe Remix,” the case has moved beyond the allegation stage. According to the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona, Boateng admitted participating in a romance and inheritance fraud conspiracy that operated from 2013 to March 2023.
The scheme targeted elderly victims in Arizona and other parts of the United States.
Boateng was arrested in Ghana on an extradition warrant on May 27, 2025, and subsequently extradited to the United States. In June 2026, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and agreed to pay approximately US$4.4 million in restitution to victims.His case therefore differs significantly from those involving suspects who have merely been arrested or charged and continue to deny wrongdoing.
Back in Ghana, entrepreneur Nana Yaw Bonsu Kwarteng, 35, is facing multiple charges relating to alleged romance scams.Kwarteng, who also presented himself online as a pastor, and his wife, Sally Akosua Amoasah, face six counts of conspiracy to commit crime by allegedly defrauding by false pretences.
Prosecutors allege that Kwarteng used Instagram to establish relationships with women and subsequently told at least one woman that he had received a revelation from God that she was his wife. The prosecution further alleges that he later represented himself as being involved in a profitable car-tyre business. Investigators also allege that the couple went into hiding after complaints were made, with Kwarteng eventually arrested at a hideout in July 2026.
Kwarteng and his wife have denied the allegations. The Attorney-General’s Department has begun steps to consolidate the cases and transfer them to the High Court.
