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Fraud

Ghanaian National at Center of US Cyber Fraud Investigation Linked to Seized Luxury Car

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A Ghanaian national, Nana Kwabena Amuah, is at the center of a major financial crime investigation in the United States, which has now been linked to a seized luxury car in Ghana. Amuah, serving a 7-year prison sentence for conspiracy to commit money laundering, is accused of leading a multi-million-dollar cyber fraud network that targeted nearly 70 businesses and government institutions in the US. The investigation, which involves the US Department of Justice, the FBI, and Ghana's Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), has also implicated popular musician Shatta Wale, whose luxury car was seized by EOCO in connection with Amuah's activities.

Key Takeaways:

  • Nana Kwabena Amuah, a Ghanaian national, is serving an 86-month (7-year) prison sentence in the US for conspiracy to commit money laundering.
  • Amuah is accused of leading a multi-million-dollar cyber fraud network that targeted nearly 70 businesses and government institutions in the US.
  • The fraud scheme involved Business Email Compromise (BEC) scams, which tricked victims into wiring funds to fake accounts controlled by the group.
  • One of the most significant incidents occurred in August 2022, when the City of Lexington in Kentucky was deceived into transferring housing assistance funds to a fraudulent bank account.
  • Amuah's activities have also been linked to popular musician Shatta Wale, whose luxury car was seized by EOCO in connection with Amuah's activities.
  • The US Department of Justice and the FBI have requested assistance from EOCO in tracking down assets tied to Amuah's activities.
  • EOCO has confirmed that the seized luxury car is believed to have been purchased using proceeds from the fraud.
  • Amuah has been ordered to pay over $4.7 million in restitution to the affected entities.
  • Shimea Maret McDonald, a 24-year-old from Texas, has also been implicated in the conspiracy, with prosecutors revealing that she possessed over 40 fake identity cards.

Statistics:

  • Over 70 businesses and government institutions were targeted by Amuah's cyber fraud network in the US.
  • At least one business reportedly collapsed due to the financial loss suffered as a result of the fraud.
  • The City of Lexington in Kentucky managed to recover its funds after being deceived into transferring housing assistance funds to a fraudulent bank account.
  • $4.7 million in restitution has been ordered to be paid by Amuah to the affected entities.
  • Over 40 fake identity cards were possessed by Shimea Maret McDonald, a co-conspirator of Amuah.

Sources:

  • Ghana Web, "Ghanaian national at center of US cyber fraud investigation linked to seized luxury car" (August 6, 2025)
  • US District Court documents, "United States v. Nana Kwabena Amuah" (2023)
  • EOCO statement, "EOCO seizes luxury car linked to Ghanaian national at center of US cyber fraud investigation" (August 5, 2025)
  • US Department of Justice press release, "Ghanaian National Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Commit Money Laundering" (October 2023)

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