African romance fraud suspect extradited to face federal charges in Arizona

PHOENIX – A man suspected of targeting elderly victims in a romance fraud scheme made his initial appearance in a federal courtroom in Arizona on Tuesday after his extradition from Africa earlier this year, authorities said.

Joseph Kwadwo Badu Boateng, aka “Dada Joe Remix,” was taken into custody on an extradition warrant in Ghana, where he resides, on May 27, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona.

In May 2023, Boateng was indicted by a federal grand jury in Tucson for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each charge if convicted.

How were elderly victims targeted in romance fraud scheme

Boateng is accused of joining co-conspirators in a romance fraud scheme that targeted elderly victims from around the world, including Arizona, from 2013 to 2023.

The scammers allegedly claimed they had gold and jewels to give to their victims, who would only need to pay for taxes and other costs.

The case was investigated by the FBI Phoenix Division’s Sierra Vista office.

U.S., Ghanaian and international authorities partnered on Boateng’s arrest and extradition.

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