In a major crackdown on online romance fraud, five men — including Ghanaian nationals — have been sentenced in the UK for their roles in a sophisticated £2 million money laundering and romance scam that devastated the lives of nearly 100 victims between 2017 and 2024.
The men used fake identities on online dating platforms to lure mostly women into false romantic relationships. Once trust was gained, they manipulated victims into sending money for fabricated emergencies, such as legal fines, medical bills, or urgent travel costs. Some victims even sent cash through the post, believing they were helping someone they genuinely cared about.
Among those convicted were Fawaz Ali, 27; Ebenezer Tackie, 42; and Michael Quartey, 28 — all found guilty of money laundering offences and sentenced to between four and five years in prison. Kwabena Edusei, 37, received the longest sentence of seven years and 10 months, while George Melseaux, 40, was sentenced to three years and nine months.
According to the UK’s Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), 40 victims were formally identified, but investigators suspect the total number of those affected could be as high as 99, including individuals from the UK, Europe, the USA, and Australia.
The emotional toll on victims was severe. One woman said, “I lost my home as I couldn’t keep up with rising bills. I’m ashamed and haven’t told anyone — not even my family.” Another added, “It’s ruined me. It took years before I could trust anyone again.”
CPS prosecutor Jane Mitchell described the scam as cold and calculated, stating, “These criminals used grooming tactics to build trust and then exploited that trust to drain victims financially and emotionally.”
The case highlights the growing threat of romance scams worldwide and serves as a warning to be cautious with online relationships — especially when money becomes involved. It also shines a light on the role of international criminal networks and the need for cross-border cooperation to protect vulnerable individuals from online fraud.
