The likeness of Benjamin Franklin is seen on U.S. $100 bills, July 14, 2022, in Marple Township, Pa. In 2023, the Federal Trade Commission received over 64,000 romance scams reports that translated into $1.14 billion in reported losses. Photo: Matt Slocum/AP
In a Brooklyn federal court ruling, a 36-year-old Ghanaian national was slammed with a 48-month prison sentence for his cold-hearted involvement in romance scams that duped vulnerable and elderly Americans out of millions.
Emmanuel Quamey, who pleaded guilty last October to conspiring to receive stolen money, must also cough up $3.3 million in forfeiture and roughly $3.8 million in restitution to his victims.
U.S. District Judge Carol Bagley Amon delivered the sentence in a packed courtroom, marking a victory for justice against cyber criminals who exploit human affection for financial gain. United States Attorney Breon Peace, alongside Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent-in-Charge Ivan J. Arvelo, declared the sentencing a stern warning to like-minded schemers.