It's the end of the line for Derrick Van Yeboah , alias "Van". This 40-year-old Ghanaian national has officially pleaded guilty in New York court for his involvement in a vast international criminal network specializing in romance scams and computer fraud.

A network responsible for $100 million in damages

Operating primarily from Ghana, the organization targeted businesses and, more cruelly, vulnerable elderly people across the United States. The scheme was well-rehearsed:

1. Fake identities: Fraudsters lured their victims online to gain their trust.
2. Financial manipulation: Once an emotional bond was established, they pressured victims to send money or launder funds from other scams.
3. Professional hacking: The group also used business email compromise (BEC) techniques to divert funds from various companies.

In total, this network is accused of stealing and laundering more than $100 million to West Africa.

The fall of "Van"

While the group's activities were significant, Derrick Van Yeboah was particularly active. He alone is considered responsible for stealing over $10 million . Posing as an ideal romantic partner, he defrauded dozens of citizens seeking companionship.

"No one deserves to have their loneliness exploited by fraud and theft," said federal prosecutor Jay Clayton, reiterating the importance of never sending money to a stranger met on the Internet.

The legal consequences

By pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, Van Yeboah faces severe penalties:

1. Prison sentence: Up to 20 years imprisonment.
2. Financial penalty: He agreed to return and pay a confiscation amounting to $10,149,429.17 .

The final verdict will be delivered by Federal Judge Arun Subramanian on June 3, 2026. This case highlights the effectiveness of international cooperation, with the prosecutor praising the invaluable assistance of Ghanaian authorities and the FBI in this matter.