Accra, Ghana – Emmanuel Quamey, a Ghanaian national, has been sentenced to 48 months in prison for his role in a scheme that defrauded over a dozen vulnerable and elderly victims in the United States, according to reports from Asaaseonline.com. The sentencing, delivered by United States District Judge Carol Bagley Amon, also includes a forfeiture order of $3.3 million and restitution to the victims amounting to approximately $3.8 million.
Quamey, who pleaded guilty in October 2023 to conspiring to receive stolen money, was implicated in laundering the proceeds from romance scams. These scams preyed on victims’ trust and desire for companionship, resulting in substantial financial losses for those affected.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, underscored the gravity of the crime while announcing the sentence. “Romance scams are callous crimes in which perpetrators steal money from vulnerable and elderly victims by taking advantage of the victims’ trust and desire to form human connections,” Peace stated. He further emphasized that the sentence serves as a stark warning to those participating in such fraudulent activities, highlighting the commitment of his office and law enforcement partners to bring fraudsters to justice and recover victims’ funds.
Special Agent-in-Charge Ivan J. Arvelo of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York lauded the investigators’ efforts, commending the Special Agents of HSI New York for their exemplary work on the case.
Court documents reveal that between September 2019 and March 2023, Quamey and his co-conspirators orchestrated a scheme that netted over $3.8 million from several elderly and vulnerable U.S. victims of romance scams. These scams typically involve fraudsters posing as potential romantic partners on social media or dating sites, using fake identities to express strong romantic interest and subsequently convincing victims to send money under false pretenses.
Quamey’s role in the scheme was to receive and launder the victims’ funds. He personally received approximately $3.3 million, which was wired into bank accounts under his control. Utilizing more than a dozen bank accounts in the United States and Ghana, Quamey and his associates transferred the victims’ money overseas to Ghana.
This case highlights the critical need for awareness and vigilance against online scams, particularly those targeting vulnerable populations. The collaborative efforts of U.S. law enforcement agencies and their international partners underscore a robust commitment to combating financial fraud and ensuring justice for the victims.
