Ghanaian Man Pleads Guilty in $100 Million U.S. Online Fraud Scheme
In a dramatic courtroom moment in New York, 40-year-old Ghanaian national Derrick Van Yeboah admitted to his role in a sweeping online fraud operation that stole over $100 million from victims in the United States. The guilty plea, entered before Judge Arun Subramanian at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, marks a significant development in the fight against international cybercrime. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced Van Yeboah’s plea on Friday, March 6, revealing the extent of his involvement in a sophisticated network that orchestrated romance scams and business email compromise attacks. The announcement was made by Jay Clayton, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, who underscored the devastating impact on victims, many of whom were elderly men and women searching for companionship online. “Derrick Van Yeboah pled guilty today to a massive criminal scheme targeting elderly men and women in online romance scams,” Clayton stated. “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.” According to court documents, Van Yeboah was part of a Ghana-based criminal organisation that preyed on individuals and companies across the United States. Victims were lured into fake romantic relationships online, with conspirators using fictitious identities to gain trust before persuading targets to send money or help launder illicit funds. The group also deceived businesses through business email compromise, tricking them into transferring funds to accounts controlled by the network. Authorities say the criminal enterprise stole and laundered more than $100 million, with much of the proceeds ending up in West Africa. Van Yeboah himself was responsible for over $10 million in losses, personally carrying out several romance scams by impersonating fake partners during online communications. Under U.S. law, conspiracy to commit wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Van Yeboah has agreed to pay restitution and forfeiture totaling $10,149,429.17. His sentencing is scheduled for June 3, 2026. Jay Clayton praised the efforts of the FBI and acknowledged the support of authorities in Ghana and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs in bringing the case to justice. As the legal process moves forward, the case stands as a stark warning against the dangers of online scams and the international reach of cybercriminal networks. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Israeli Ambassador Expresses Sympathy After Missile Attack Injures Ghanaian Peacekeepers in Lebanon
It was a tense evening in southern Lebanon on Friday, March 6, when two missiles struck the Ghanaian Battalion Headquarters, part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The attack occurred between 17:45 and 17:52 local time, shattering the calm at the base and leaving devastation in its wake. Among those serving bravely far from home were Ghanaian peacekeepers, whose dedication to international security was met with sudden violence. The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) later confirmed that two soldiers had been critically injured in the attack, while another suffered trauma. The Officers’ Mess facility, a central hub for the battalion, was completely destroyed by fire during the assault. As news of the incident reached Accra, arrangements were swiftly made to provide medical care for the wounded personnel. They are currently being treated at a Level One Medical Bunker, with plans underway to transfer them to the UNIFIL headquarters referral hospital for more advanced care. The attack drew swift condemnation and sympathy from the Ambassador of Israel to Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, Roey Gilad. Describing the event as tragic, Ambassador Gilad expressed deep concern for the injured peacekeepers. “This is indeed a tragic event. We send wishes of speedy recovery to the three soldiers,” he stated. Ambassador Gilad also noted that efforts to determine the source of the missile fire were ongoing, with the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) launching an investigation into the incident. Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces moved quickly to assure the public that all other troops at the base remained safe, having taken shelter in underground bunkers due to the fragile security environment in the area. The missile strike comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, with growing confrontations involving Israel, Iran, and allied forces across the region. In response to the attack, the Government of Ghana, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, has officially lodged a protest with the United Nations headquarters in New York City, seeking accountability and greater protection for its peacekeepers. As investigations continue, the thoughts of many remain with the injured soldiers and their families, hoping for their swift recovery and a return to peace in the region. Source: Apexnewsgh.com