Strategic business movements? The migration of online romance fraudsters from Nigeria to Ghana

Lazarus, S. ; Button, M. ; Garba, KH. ; Soares, AB. ; Hughes, M. (2025) — Journal of Economic Criminology

DOI: 10.1016/j.jeconc.2025.100128

Synopsis

This catalog entry surveys the topic of cross-border movement among actors involved in online romance fraud, focusing on a shift from Nigeria to Ghana. The article situates the phenomenon within the broader field of economic criminology, treating online dating deception as a form of illicit entrepreneurship and labor mobility. The central concern is how individuals or networks relocate operations in response to changing enforcement regimes, market conditions, and opportunities for profit. The discussion frames migration as strategic rather than incidental, examining how geographic and institutional environments shape the organization, collaboration, and resource use of perpetrators. The scope includes considerations of regional connectivity, digital platforms, and the transnational dimensions of fraud schemes. Methodological approach is described in general terms, drawing on theoretical perspectives and existing empirical work to map patterns of movement, network structure, and operation. Key themes include the role of intermediary actors, the distribution of risk, and how actors adapt to local contexts in Ghana compared with Nigeria. The piece reflects on the implications for detection, deterrence, and policy coordination across borders, highlighting the relevance for economists, criminologists, and law enforcement. By documenting a migration trajectory of illicit activity, the article contributes

Citation style