Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Sunday 6th April 2025 at 08:50hrs
Five men have been convicted for their roles in a sophisticated romance fraud scheme that preyed on vulnerable individuals seeking love online, defrauding them of a staggering £3.25 million.
The gang exploited victims through fake profiles and fabricated emotional connections on dating websites, manipulating them into handing over significant sums of money under false pretences.
Following a trial at Guildford Crown Court, Fawaz Ali, 27, Ebenezer Tackie, 42, and Michael Quartey, 28, were found guilty today of money laundering related offences.
Earlier in the proceedings, two other members of the network had already admitted their involvement.
Kwabena Edusei, 36, pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to defraud and money laundering, while George Melseaux, 40, admitted to money laundering and possession of ID documents with intent to misuse for fraudulent purposes.
The elaborate scam saw Edusei and his accomplices create convincing fake profiles, complete with fictional biographies, on various dating platforms.
They then used persuasive and flirtatious language to build seemingly genuine relationships with their targets, often individuals who were recently divorced or widowed and looking for companionship.
Once they had gained the trust and emotional investment of their victims, the fraudsters would begin to request money, citing a range of fabricated emergencies.
These included pleas for loans to cover business trips gone awry, urgent fines incurred in remote locations, or the need for immediate funds after a supposed stolen wallet incident.
Heartbroken victims, believing they were helping their romantic partners, transferred money directly into the defendants’ bank accounts or even sent cash through the post.
This pattern of deception was repeated numerous times, draining victims’ finances until they either had no money left or became suspicious and alerted the authorities. The ill-gotten gains were then laundered through the criminals’ various bank accounts.
While 40 individuals have been confirmed as victims of this heartless romance fraud, authorities suspect the total number of those targeted could be as high as 99. The total amount of money laundered through the network is estimated to be a staggering £3.25 million.
Jane Mitchell of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) condemned the gang’s actions, stating: “The criminals here showed complete disregard for their victims who were met on an online dating website for the sole purpose of exploiting and scamming them out of much needed money.”
She highlighted the severe emotional distress caused, particularly to those who were often in vulnerable circumstances. “None of them had any of the money they thought they were loaning repaid,” Ms. Mitchell added.
The CPS is now urging anyone who believes they may have fallen victim to romance fraud to come forward and report it without feeling embarrassed or ashamed. Ms. Mitchell emphasized that “a fraud like this only succeeds if there is a willing network to launder this criminal money through their bank accounts.”
This case serves as a stark reminder of the prevalence and devastating impact of fraud. Authorities are reiterating the importance of public vigilance with the “Stop! Think Fraud” campaign.
The message is clear: fraudsters are indiscriminate and will target anyone online or in their homes, often using emotional manipulation to steal money or personal data.
Members of the public are strongly encouraged to follow these steps to protect themselves:
* Stop and think before parting with your money or information.
* Challenge whether the information or request you have received could be fake. It is okay to reject, refuse, or ignore any requests.
* Protect yourself by reporting any suspected scams to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 and to your bank immediately.
The CPS has affirmed its commitment to collaborating with the government and law enforcement to combat romance fraud and money laundering, ensuring that those who cause the greatest harm to the public, especially vulnerable victims, are brought to justice.
G2K INCIDENT WATCH 