Ghanaian businessman Kofi Boateng, popularly known as Kofi Boat, is at the center of a high-profile legal battle following his recent arrest over a $100 million money laundering and romance scam. The arrest, which took place on June 13, 2025, was part of a joint operation by Interpol and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Kofi Boat, along with two other suspects—one identified only as “Agony”—was apprehended for allegedly orchestrating a large-scale Business Email Compromise (BEC) and romance fraud operation targeting U.S. citizens and agencies.
Court Appearance and Legal Defense
On June 26, 2025, Kofi Boat appeared before an Accra Magistrate Court. His legal team requested a 14-day delay to prepare documents in defense of his pending extradition to the United States. They argued that Boat operates a legitimate frozen foods business with over 13 branches across Ghana and that the business records are vital for his defense.
However, the court granted only a 10-day extension after Ghana’s Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem-Sai opposed the full request.
Disputing the Allegations
Kofi Boat and his lawyers strongly deny the $100 million fraud claim, asserting that the true amount is closer to $300,000, which they claim was legally transferred through business transactions.
Currently, Kofi Boat remains in National Investigations Bureau (NIB) custody, while his wife assists in compiling supporting documentation.
Background on the Extradition Case
The extradition request was initiated by the U.S. Department of State and delivered via the U.S. Embassy in Accra, following a May 2023 indictment by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The suspects are facing charges of wire fraud and money laundering connected to a sophisticated fraud ring operating from Ghana.
