TUCSON, Arizona — A man from Ghana pleaded guilty in connection with a romance scheme that defrauded elderly victims from Arizona and across the United States.
Read more APS will shut off power for 8,000 customers on Saturday
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that Joseph Kwadwo Badu Boateng, also known as “Dada Joe Remix,” pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
He was arrested in Ghana on an extradition warrant in May of 2025 and brought back to the U.S. in June of 2025 to face charges.
>> Live, local, breaking. Download the 12News app
According to the plea agreement, Boateng admitted to being involved in romance and inheritance fraud schemes from 2013 to 2023, along with co-conspirators.
They were accused of pretending to be in romantic relationships with the victims through online dating sites or other electronic communications, then claiming they needed money from the victims to release their “inheritance” of gold and jewels.
Read more 23-year-old faces first-degree murder charge after purse snatching ends with victim being run over
Boateng is scheduled to be sentenced in federal court on Sept. 8.
He has agreed to pay approximately $4.4 million in restitution.
More ways to get 12News
On your phone: Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
-
iTunes
-
Google Play
On your streaming device: Download 12+ to your streaming device
The free 12+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like “Today in AZ” and “12 News” and our daily lifestyle program, “Arizona Midday”—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Read more New AI cameras will soon help APS monitor for wildfires across Arizona
On social media: Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.