Two Ghanaians arrested in US over alleged $60,000 church fraud

Two Ghanaian nationals have been arrested in the United States over an alleged email fraud scheme that investigators say cost a church more than US$60,000.

The suspects, identified as Samuel Opoku and Ousmane Gassama Diaby, are accused of manipulating email communications and financial accounts to divert funds that church leaders believed were being sent to a legitimate organisation.

The Troup County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division reportedly began investigating the case in 2025 after the church reported the financial loss.

According to a FOX 5 Atlanta report published on October 19, 2026, investigators traced the transactions to the two men following months of inquiries. Opoku was arrested first, while a warrant was subsequently issued for Diaby.

Diaby, who is based in Arlington, Virginia, was arrested in New Jersey in October 2026, shortly after returning from Ghana, where he had reportedly spent several months while being sought by US authorities.

Lieutenant Stewart Smith of the Troup County Sheriff’s Office said the suspects allegedly exploited an existing financial relationship between the church and another organisation by manipulating email exchanges and account details.

The church, believing it was dealing with the legitimate organisation, proceeded with the transfers, investigators said. The money was allegedly redirected into other accounts controlled by the suspects and later withdrawn through automated teller machines.

Both men face multiple criminal charges in connection with the alleged scheme.

Diaby reportedly faces five counts of identity theft, as well as charges of money laundering, theft by taking and initiating deceptive commercial emails. Opoku is also facing similar charges relating to the alleged fraud.

The case highlights how criminals can exploit trusted business and organisational relationships through email manipulation to divert funds.

The allegations have yet to be determined in court, and the charges against the two men do not constitute proof of guilt.