Ghanaian dancehall heavyweight Shatta Wale has clapped back at critics questioning the source of his wealth, insisting that his money is clean and earned through legitimate means.
In a fiery rant, the self-proclaimed “Dancehall King” addressed growing speculation that his financial success stems from illicit activities, particularly online fraud — commonly referred to in Ghanaian slang as “sakawa” or being a “fraud boy.”
He said “You people are watching my life, and anytime there is an issue in Ghana, you like to drag me into it.
“You guys are making a mistake with my name. I am a very clean boy. Just because your artiste, your industry favourite, cannot pull the kind of things I can pull, you assume I am into fraud. You are free to tell people I am into fraud.
“One thing the white people coming here do is that they research. They are not stupid. They saw my Rolls-Royce and knew how I acquired the funds to purchase it. It’s music money. It’s not fraud; it’s hard work and dedication. So don’t make a mistake.”
The outspoken artist, known for his lavish lifestyle and controversial statements, emphasised that he has built a solid brand through years of consistency in the music industry.
He also pointed to his multiple endorsements, merchandise sales, and streaming royalties as part of his income sources.
His reactions come after three separate indictments involving Ghanaian nationals have been unsealed in the United States, as part of a sweeping federal crackdown on transnational romance fraud schemes targeting elderly Americans.
“ My money is clean. Because your industry artists and favorites can’t buy the things I buy you think I’m doing fraud”
—Shatta wale blasts critics for associating him with fraud, after FBI officials reportedly picked up some of his close associates allegedly involved in fraud.… pic.twitter.com/C84ckdBbwo
— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) June 18, 2025
The U.S. Department of Justice announced the developments in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, highlighting the efforts of law enforcement agencies to dismantle criminal networks that prey on vulnerable seniors.
Among those charged is Ghanaian citizen Joseph Kwadwo Badu Boateng, also known as “Dada Joe Remix”, who was indicted in the District of Arizona on May 30, 2025.
According to U.S. court documents, Boateng and his co-conspirators ran a romance and inheritance scam from 2013 to 2023. The scheme involved tricking elderly victims into believing that gold and jewels were being held for them, but could only be released after the payment of fictitious taxes and fees.
Boateng was indicted in the District of Arizona on May 30, 2025, for his alleged role in a decade-long romance and inheritance scam.
According to DOJ documents, Boateng and his co-conspirators deceived victims—primarily elderly Americans—into believing they were entitled to gold and jewel inheritances, which could only be released after paying fake taxes and administrative fees.
Boateng was arrested in Ghana on May 28, 2025, following a U.S. extradition request, and currently awaits transfer to face federal wire fraud and money laundering charges. The FBI is leading the investigation.
In a related indictment filed in the Northern District of Ohio, five additional defendants—Dwayne Asafo Adjei, David Onyinye Abuanekwu, Nancy Adom, Eric Aidoo, and Nader Wasif—were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.
