A Ghanaian man based in the United States has been arrested for his alleged role in a nationwide romance fraud scheme valued at an estimated $5 million.
Kenneth Anim, 38, who holds citizenship in both Ghana and the US, allegedly perpetrated the illegality between 2014 and 2019.
An investigation conducted by the FBI revealed the suspect and his co-conspirators created individual fake businesses through which money was laundered.
“They allegedly operated as money mules in relation to various mail and wire fraud schemes, including internet fraud and romance scams,” the press release by the US Department of Justice said on Tuesday, July 12, 2022.
Anim had previously resided in the Houston and Richmond areas. He reportedly created fake online personas to trick people into romantic relationships and convince them to send money to business and bank accounts he opened, US prosecutors said.
FBI agents are reported to have revealed that the scheme had dozens of victims and involved the transfer of more than $5 million.
It is also alleged that Mr Anim “opened and maintained bank accounts to collect proceeds from the schemes and to send the money to himself, his co-conspirators and overseas.”
Anim has been charged with five counts of criminal conduct.
If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $500,000 maximum fine.
