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A 31-year-old Ghanaian man, Frederick Kumi also known as Abu Trica, has been arrested in Ghana for his alleged role in an extensive $8 million romance scam that targeted elderly victims across the United States.
The indictment recently unsealed in a U.S. federal court also identifies him by the aliases Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng and Abu Trica.
According to U.S. authorities, Kumi was part of a cyber-fraud network that, since 2023, deployed Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to generate convincing fake profiles and lure victims into online romantic relationships.
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The criminal group allegedly targeted older adults through social media and dating platforms, maintaining regular communication via calls, emails, and messages to build trust. Once trust was established, victims were reportedly manipulated into sending money or valuables for fabricated emergencies, including medical bills, travel costs, and supposed investment opportunities.
Investigators say the proceeds were funnelled to co-conspirators in Ghana and other jurisdictions. Kumi now faces charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and a forfeiture specification. If found guilty, he could face up to 20 years in prison.
U.S. authorities stressed that an indictment is merely an accusation, not evidence of guilt, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven otherwise in court.
The case was jointly investigated by the FBI Cleveland Division and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. McDonough of the Northern District of Ohio. Ghanaian institutions assisting in the arrest and investigation include the Attorney General’s Office, EOCO, Ghana Police Service, Cyber Security Authority, NACOC, and the National Intelligence Bureau.
The prosecution forms part of the Elder Justice Initiative, a U.S. program established under the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act of 2017 to combat financial exploitation, abuse, and neglect of elderly citizens.
Kumi was arrested in Ghana on December 11, 2025, as authorities continue investigations to identify additional accomplices and recover defrauded funds.
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