A U.S. federal grand jury has indicted Ghanaian national Frederick Kumi, also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng and popularly referred to as Abu Trica, for orchestrating an $8 million romance scam that exploited elderly Americans through sophisticated online deception.
According to U.S. prosecutors, Kumi used AI-generated identities to create fake online personas, which he employed to build emotional relationships with victims.
Once trust was established, he reportedly them to send money and valuable items under various false pretenses.
Kumi was arrested in Ghana on December 10, 2025, following a coordinated investigation involving the FBI and several Ghanaian law enforcement agencies.
He now faces charges of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering—offenses that each carry potential sentences of up to 20 years imprisonment under U.S. federal law.
Officials say the investigation revealed a complex scheme in which artificial intelligence tools were used to fabricate convincing online profiles, making it increasingly difficult for victims to identify fraud.
Authorities emphasized that the case highlights a rising trend in cyber-enabled financial crimes targeting vulnerable populations.
The FBI has commended the collaboration with Ghanaian security agencies, noting that the successful arrest demonstrates the growing strength of international partnerships in combating transnational fraud.
Kumi is expected to be extradited to the United States to face trial.