Popular Ghanaian socialite, Derrick Van Yeboah, 40, has admitted guilt in the United States for his role in an online fraud scheme that defrauded victims of over $100 million through romance scams and business email compromise. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud before Judge Arun Subramanian in New York’s Southern District on March 6, 2026.
The FBI revealed that Van Yeboah was part of an international criminal network primarily based in Ghana, which targeted individuals and companies across the U.S., especially elderly victims, tricking them into sending money under fake romantic pretenses or fraudulent business emails. Many victims lost trust, savings, and were manipulated for laundering stolen funds.
Authorities say Van Yeboah personally executed several of the romance scams, generating more than $10 million in illicit gains. The criminal group laundered funds from dozens of victims, eventually transferring the proceeds to West Africa. His actions exploited victims’ vulnerabilities and caused severe financial losses.
Van Yeboah faces up to 20 years in prison under U.S. law for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and has agreed to pay over $10 million in restitution and forfeiture. His sentencing is scheduled for June 3, 2026.
