Forgiveness-Seeking Behaviors Among Online Romance Fraudsters: Insights from Sakawa Actors in Ghana

The study investigates forgiveness-seeking behaviors among online romance scammers operating in Ghana, concentrating on how Sakawa practitioners grapple with moral guilt. By applying Moral Disengagement Theory alongside Cultural Criminology perspectives, the analysis identifies three core areas of focus: what motivates offenders to seek forgiveness, the rituals that accompany such requests, and the way forgiveness intersects with the selection of victims. The research thus frames forgiveness as a social and moral signal embedded in the criminal activity, rather than as a straightforward pathway to remorse or cessation of wrongdoing. Findings show that Sakawa actors manipulate social interpretations of forgiveness to cope with perceived divine consequences associated with Sakawa while also using these narratives to influence victims. Forgiveness is portrayed and deployed as a tool to sustain manipulation rather than as an authentic move toward reconciliation or disengagement from online romance fraud. In this light, forgiveness operates as a strategic resource that facilitates continued criminal practice rather than marking a clear end to illicit behavior. The results suggest that, although forgiveness is frequently regarded as a social and moral virtue, an offender’s intent to seek forgiveness does not automatically signal a willingness to halt criminal activities. Moreover, the data indicate possible criminogenic dimensions embedded in forgiveness, challenging assumptions about its inherently virtuous nature. The study therefore prompts questions about how forgiveness narratives function within fraud contexts and highlights the need for further inquiry into their role in criminal enterprise, prevention, and policy development.