Scam kingpin Van Yeboah jailed 85 months in US prison for stealing $10million
Derrick Van Yeboah, a Ghanaian national, has been sentenced to 85 months in a U.S. federal prison for his role in a $100 million international romance and business email scam. He was personally linked to $10 million in fraudulent proceeds.
Why it matters
The case underscores the global reach of cyber-enabled financial crimes and the U.S. justice system's focus on prosecuting international criminal syndicates.
A Ghanaian national has been sentenced to 85 months in a United States federal prison for his role in an international criminal organisation that stole more than $100 million from victims through romance scams and business email compromises.
Derrick Van Yeboah, 41, also known as “Van” and a leader of the criminal syndicate, was sentenced on July 28, 2026, by U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian. He had previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud on March 5, 2026.
“Romance scammers do not simply steal money—they weaponise trust,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton, who announced the sentencing. “Van Yeboah and his co-conspirators exploited trust, loneliness, and legitimate business relationships to steal more than $100 million. Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of these calculated frauds and our commitment to pursuing international criminal organisations that target Americans”.
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