Kofi Oduro Boateng: Everything to know about millionaire arrested by FBI over $100m fraud

Kofi Boat is a name that once echoed through Accra’s elite circles — the man behind luxury rides, high-end parties, and a bold friendship with dancehall icon Shatta Wale. Real name Isaac Kofi Oduro Boateng, he symbolised fast wealth and generous loyalty.

But now, that image is crumbling fast. Arrested and held in Ghana at the request of U.S. authorities, Kofi Boat is facing extradition over explosive allegations of wire fraud, romance scams, and international money laundering.

So how did this low-profile millionaire with celebrity ties end up in the FBI’s crosshairs?

The Flashy Friend Who Lived Large

Until recently, Kofi Boat was best known as one of Ghana’s young millionaires with an eye for extravagance. While he kept the origins of his wealth under wraps, how he spent it was on full display — a white Rolls-Royce Cullinan, designer fashion, luxury travel, and champagne-fuelled nights.

READ ALSO: FBI finally charges Dada Joe Remix and other Ghanaians in romance fraud scheme

He made headlines when he reportedly gifted that same Rolls-Royce to his good friend Shatta Wale. Their bromance became one of the most talked-about celebrity connections in Ghana, with Boat often spotted at Shatta’s shows and parties, footing bills and popping bottles.

During Shatta Wale’s 36th birthday, Kofi Boat didn’t just attend — he was celebrated as one of the star’s “godfathers”, a key figure in his inner circle who helped shape both his public image and financial path.

More Than Just a Party Buddy

But their relationship wasn’t all glitz and gifts. Several reports suggest Kofi Boat also acted as a behind-the-scenes adviser, encouraging Shatta to invest in real estate and secure his long-term wealth. The musician has publicly acknowledged these moves, crediting trusted voices like Kofi Boat with helping him acquire multiple properties in Accra.

READ ALSO: 6 Ghanaian celebrities who served jail sentences for various reasons

In May 2024, Kofi Boat made another grand gesture — but this time, it was spiritual. He commissioned and built an ultramodern church complex, fulfilling what he described as a childhood vow to God. With sleek architecture and a glowing cross visible from afar, the building drew admiration and added to his image as a new kind of wealthy Ghanaian — blending faith, success, and public generosity.

The Fall: Accusations, Arrest, and an FBI File

But everything changed in June 2025.

News broke that Kofi Boat had been arrested in Ghana as part of a joint U.S.-Interpol investigation into a vast fraud ring. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, he is alleged to be a key figure — possibly the kingpin — in a global network accused of romance scams and business email compromise (BEC) schemes.

The alleged crimes reportedly spanned from 2016 to 2023, targeting both individuals and corporations across multiple countries. Victims were lured into fake relationships or tricked through compromised business emails into wiring large sums of money, with total losses exceeding $100 million.

Currently, Kofi Boat is being held in custody in Ghana, awaiting the outcome of an extradition request from U.S. authorities. If transferred and convicted, he could face a lengthy prison sentence in the United States.

What Does This Mean for Shatta Wale?

READ ALSO: 2 Ghanaians sentenced to U.S. prison for romance fraud, ordered to pay $581K each

For fans of Shatta Wale, the arrest raises uncomfortable questions. Though no wrongdoing has been suggested on the part of the dancehall star, the close public ties between him and Kofi Boat have sparked online debate. So far, Shatta Wale has not made any public statement regarding his friend’s legal troubles.

A Glamorous Façade or a Genuine Fall?

The unfolding case has stunned many Ghanaians. Kofi Boat, once admired for his apparent business acumen and public generosity, is now a symbol of how quickly fortunes — and reputations — can flip.

Whether he is vindicated or convicted, his story is a cautionary tale: not everything that glitters is gold. And in the age of influencers, celebrity clout, and social media stardom, the line between success and scandal is often razor-thin.

Stay with Pulse Ghana for real-time updates on this developing story.