In a sobering reminder of the devastating impact of online fraud, a Maryland-based woman originally from Ghana has been sentenced to 70 months in a United States federal prison for her involvement in a romance scam that defrauded victims across the country of over $1.6 million.
Nana Takyiwa Adonu, 43, who lived in Odenton, Maryland, received her sentence on July 22, 2026, in the Southern District of Iowa. Her actions, according to court documents, were part of a larger conspiracy that exploited individuals through fake online personas, targeting victims on dating platforms and social media with promises of love and companionship.
A Scheme Built on Deception
At the heart of this elaborate scheme was the creation of fictitious profiles designed to lure unsuspecting victims into fraudulent relationships. Once trust was established, these victims were manipulated into sending significant sums of money, often under the guise of helping their supposed romantic partners through fabricated emergencies or financial hardships.
To facilitate the movement of these ill-gotten gains, Adonu operated a shell company named "Han-Dak LLC." This entity served as a conduit for receiving and managing funds sent by victims. Tragically, many victims were coerced into parting with their life savings, selling their homes and vehicles, draining retirement accounts, or even borrowing heavily from friends and family.
One particularly harrowing example involved an Iowa resident who lost more than $55,000 to the scam. The emotional and financial toll on the victims was profound, with some returning to work after retirement to recover from their losses.
Attempts to Obstruct Justice
When confronted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Adonu made efforts to conceal her role in the scheme. She falsely portrayed Han-Dak LLC as a legitimate garment production company based in China. Additionally, she produced fake invoices and customer lists in response to a federal grand jury subpoena in an attempt to obstruct the investigation.
However, these efforts were ultimately unsuccessful, and Adonu was held accountable for her actions.
Sentencing and Restitution
In addition to her prison sentence, Adonu was ordered to pay $1,655,640.76 in restitution to her victims. Following her release from prison, she will serve three years of supervised release.
Adonu’s co-defendant, Naabanyin Aniagyei-Cobbold, was sentenced earlier in March 2026 to 108 months in prison and ordered to pay over $1.5 million in restitution for his role in the scheme.
A Message from Law Enforcement
Eugene Kowel, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Omaha Field Office, emphasized the calculated cruelty of romance scams in a statement following the sentencing:
"Romance scammers exploit victims when they are at their most vulnerable. They prey on innocent people by convincing them a relationship is real, then slowly abuse that trust to steal their life savings. This case is an egregious example of the ruthless persistence exhibited by scammers who enrich themselves at the expense of vulnerable people."
A Growing Concern
Romance scams represent a growing threat in the digital age as criminals increasingly exploit online platforms to target individuals seeking companionship. The emotional manipulation involved makes these schemes particularly insidious, leaving victims not only financially devastated but also emotionally scarred.
Protecting Yourself from Romance Scams
This case underscores the importance of vigilance when forming relationships online. To protect yourself:
- Be cautious about sharing personal or financial information with someone you have never met in person.
- Be skeptical of requests for money, particularly if they come early in a relationship or involve urgent or unusual circumstances.
- Verify the authenticity of online profiles and conduct reverse image searches on profile pictures if something feels suspicious.
- Report any suspected scams to law enforcement or platforms where the interactions occurred.
The sentencing of Nana Takyiwa Adonu serves as a stark reminder that while justice can be served, the consequences for victims are often long-lasting. As technology continues to evolve, so too must our awareness and vigilance against those who seek to exploit it for malicious purposes.
