TL;DR: The CPS reported on September 30, 2025 that five men were jailed at Guildford Crown Court, the longest sentence 7 years 10 months for Kwabena Edusei, over a £2.37 million fraud in which about £1.8 million came from romance fraud. Police confirmed 40 romance fraud victims and suspect 99 victims in total. Fake dating profiles and made-up emergencies were used to keep money flowing.
What happened
The Crown Prosecution Service reports that five men were sentenced on September 30, 2025 at Guildford Crown Court after a Surrey Police investigation. The total fraud was £2.37 million, with an estimated £1.8 million of it romance fraud. There were 40 confirmed romance fraud victims and 99 suspected fraud victims in total, including at least 59 more people police believe were conned.
Who got what
- Kwabena Edusei, 37: 7 years 10 months, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to defraud, money laundering and related offences.
- Michael Quartey: 5 years 6 months, convicted after trial of money laundering.
- Fawaz Ali, 27: 4 years 10 months, convicted after trial of money laundering.
- Ebenezer Tackie, 42: 4 years 6 months, convicted after trial of money laundering.
- George Melseaux, 40: 3 years 9 months, after pleading guilty to money laundering and possessing identity documents with improper intent.
How victims were groomed
The CPS says the fraudsters created fake profiles and invented biographies on dating websites, then used flirtatious messages to build what victims believed was a genuine, loving relationship. Once trust was established, they asked for money for made-up reasons, such as failed business trip loans, fines in remote locations or a stolen wallet, and repeated the requests until victims ran out of money or grew suspicious. Victims sent money to the men's bank accounts or posted cash, and the money was then moved through the criminals' accounts.
Jane Mitchell, Specialist Prosecutor, said they used grooming tactics to gain trust, which caused terrible emotional distress to victims.
The mule problem
If an online partner asks you to receive and forward money, or to open an account for them, you may be moving criminal money without knowing it. Learn how wire fraud works, and how to protect yourself in our romance scam red flags guide.
Red flags
- A new partner with a big story about a business trip, fine or stolen wallet.
- Requests to send cash by post or pay into someone else's account.
- A relationship that never reaches a real-world meeting.
- Pressure to keep sending money after you have already helped.
Report to Report Fraud (0300 123 2040) and your bank at once; see our reporting guide. Scammers also find targets through exposed details, so run our free email exposure check.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much was the total fraud?
£2.37 million, with an estimated £1.8 million from romance fraud, according to the CPS.
How many victims were there?
Police confirmed 40 romance fraud victims and suspect 99 victims in total, including at least 59 more people they believe were conned.
Who got the longest sentence?
Kwabena Edusei, 37, was sentenced to 7 years 10 months.
What should I do if a partner asks me to move money?
Do not. You could be used as a money mule. Tell your bank and report to Report Fraud.
Sources
- Crown Prosecution Service: Five money launderers jailed for exploiting victims through fraud and romance fraud (Sep 30, 2025)
- Report Fraud (UK national fraud reporting service)