Twin brothers from Ghana and a 53-year-old American woman face up to 20 years in prison each after pleading guilty to their roles in an international romance scam that defrauded victims of more than nine million dollars.

The brothers, 22-year-old Jamal Abubakari and Kamal Abubakari, and their co-defendant, Amanda Joy Opoku-Boachie, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in October 2026.

Court documents show that the scheme operated from July 2024 to April 2026, with the defendants allegedly using fake identities on dating platforms and social media to gain victims’ trust.

They reportedly posed as romantic partners, developed emotional relationships with their targets and persuaded them to transfer money into bank accounts controlled by members of the network.

Investigators said the victims were located in 25 US states, including Ohio, as well as Germany and Austria. Some of the proceeds were allegedly transferred to accomplices in Ghana and elsewhere.

Under their plea agreements, the defendants agreed to forfeit jewellery and luxury items seized during their arrests, including expensive watches, rings, chains, medallions and earrings.

The twins are scheduled to be sentenced on February 9, 2027, while Opoku-Boachie is expected to appear for sentencing the following day.

Although each defendant faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, the actual penalties will be determined by the court.