A popular Ghanaian social media influencer, Abu Trica — real name Frederick Kumi has been arrested over allegations that he masterminded a romance-scam operation that defrauded elderly Americans of more than $8 million (£5.9m).
According to U.S. prosecutors, Kumi allegedly used AI tools to create fake online identities and targeted victims through social media and dating platforms. After building trust through frequent and intimate communication, he and his associates reportedly requested money under false pretences, including medical emergencies, travel costs, and investment opportunities.
Kumi, also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng, was detained in Ghana following a joint U.S.–Ghanaian operation. The United States is now seeking his extradition. He faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, offences that each carry a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison. He has not commented publicly on the accusations.
Prosecutors say the scheme involved funneling victims’ money to co-conspirators posing as third parties, with Kumi allegedly distributing proceeds to partners in both the U.S. and Ghana. His frequent display of luxury goods to his more than 100,000 Instagram followers had raised suspicions about the source of his wealth.
The case falls under the U.S. Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act. American authorities have recently intensified efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating in West Africa and the United States that target elderly Americans.
In July, another Ghanaian suspect known as Dada Joe Remix was extradited to the U.S. for his alleged role in romance and inheritance fraud.
Earlier this month, a U.S. court sentenced Nigerian national Oluwaseun Adekoya to 20 years in prison for leading a nationwide bank-fraud and money-laundering conspiracy involving more than $2 million.
