Ghanaian Socialite Joseph Badu Boateng popularly known as Dada Joe Extradited to U.S. in $100 Million Romance Scam Crackdown after weeks of discourse on FBI’s entry into the country
In a significant international law enforcement operation, Joseph Badu Boateng, popularly known as Dada Joe Remix, was extradited from Ghana to the United States on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. The extradition, executed at 10:12 PM GMT, was a collaborative effort between the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) and Ghanaian authorities, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Joseph Badu Boateng popularly known as Dada Joe Extradited to U.S. in $100 Million Romance Scam Crackdown
Diplomatic Security Service special agents at @USEmbassyGhana worked with Ghanaian authorities to assist the @FBI in the extradition of Joseph Badu Boateng aka Dada Joe Remix. Boateng was indicted on charges of running a fraud ring that used romance and inheritance schemes to… pic.twitter.com/vum4KEOvSX
— Diplomatic Security Service (@StateDeptDSS) July 1, 2025
This high-profile case centers on allegations that Boateng orchestrated a sophisticated fraud ring, defrauding U.S. victims of over $100 million through romance and inheritance scams between 2013 and 2023. The operation, detailed in images posted by @StateDeptDSS on X, shows Boateng in custody as he was transferred to face justice in the U.S., marking a rare instance of transnational cooperation targeting a prominent figure.
The charges against Boateng stem from a 2023 U.S. Department of Justice indictment, which accuses him of leading a criminal network that preyed on vulnerable Americans, particularly the elderly, using false promises of love and inheritance. The DSS, based at the U.S. Embassy in Ghana, worked closely with local law enforcement to apprehend Boateng, whose extradition was completed earlier today. Social media reactions on X, including posts from users like @1BongoIdeas and @KwabenaMorgan8, reflect a mix of amusement and caution, with some humorously noting his “free flight” to the U.S., while others warn against the perils of fraudulent wealth. This case has sparked widespread discussion about the glamorization of ill-gotten gains in Ghana’s entertainment industry.
Boateng’s notoriety as a socialite and alleged philanthropist in Ghana adds a layer of complexity to the case, challenging the public perception of his wealth. Reports from BBC Pidgin indicate that he is one of ten Ghanaians currently pursued by U.S. authorities for similar cybercrimes, suggesting a broader network of fraudsters operating from the West African nation. The FBI’s investigation revealed that the scams involved elaborate schemes, including fake gold and jewel transactions requiring upfront payments from victims. This aligns with a 2021 Federal Trade Commission report, which documented $547 million in romance scam losses across the U.S., highlighting the growing threat of such transnational cybercrimes.
The extradition process, captured in two images shared by @StateDeptDSS, shows Boateng flanked by DSS and FBI agents as he was escorted from a building in Ghana and later near an aircraft, symbolizing the end of his evasion. This operation underscores the increasing sophistication of international law enforcement efforts to combat cybercrime, with the DSS and FBI leveraging unique authorities to impose consequences on global adversaries. The case has drawn attention to the role of social media in exposing such crimes, as trending posts under the hashtag #DadaJoeRemix have amplified calls for justice and further investigations into other potential culprits.
Public reactions on X range from support for the U.S. and Ghanaian collaboration to demands for a wider crackdown. Users like @akosua_amoabea and @Rasta4NDC have urged authorities to “arrest them all,” reflecting frustration with the prevalence of scams in the region. Others, such as @GhanaSocialUni, have cited Proverbs 20:17, warning that “bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel,” echoing a moral stance against such activities. The involvement of a figure like Boateng, once celebrated in Ghana’s entertainment circles, has also prompted soul-searching about the sources of wealth among public figures.
This case is part of a broader trend of transnational cybercrime, with recent web reports from CSIS detailing significant incidents costing over a million dollars since 2006. The extradition of Boateng follows the arrest of other Ghanaian entertainment industry players, including Kofi Boat, linked to similar fraud schemes, as reported by BBC Pidgin on June 19, 2025. These developments signal a concerted effort by the U.S. and its partners to dismantle criminal networks exploiting digital platforms, with Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasizing the pursuit of those involved in schemes costing billions.
As Boateng prepares to face trial in the U.S., the case serves as a stark reminder of the global reach of romance scams and the importance of international cooperation in addressing them.
