A Ghanaian man known online as Abu Trica has been indicted by a US federal grand jury for allegedly taking part in a multimillion-dollar romance fraud scheme that targeted elderly Americans.
The indictment, unsealed on Wednesday in the Northern District of Ohio, accuses Frederick Kumi, also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng, of conspiring with others to defraud victims of more than $8m. He was arrested in Ghana the same day in a joint operation involving the FBI and several Ghanaian security agencies.
US prosecutors say the group ran an elaborate operation that used artificial intelligence tools to create convincing online identities on dating and social media platforms. Investigators claim these fake profiles were used to develop romantic relationships with mostly older victims, who were then persuaded to send money and valuables on false pretences.
According to court documents, the alleged network maintained regular contact with victims through emails, phone calls and messaging apps to build trust. Once payments were made, prosecutors say Kumi helped move the proceeds through a chain of intermediaries in the US and abroad, eventually directing funds to associates in Ghana.
Kumi faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy. If convicted, he could serve up to 20 years in prison under US federal law. Prosecutors have also filed a forfeiture request seeking assets believed to be linked to the scheme.
His arrest followed months of cooperation between US investigators and Ghanaian authorities, including the Ghana Police Service, the Economic and Organised Crime Office and the National Intelligence Bureau. The FBI said the case underscores the growing reach of transnational internet fraud and the importance of joint policing efforts.
Officials stressed that the indictment is an allegation and that Kumi is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. Extradition proceedings are expected to follow as US authorities seek to bring him to trial.
The case forms part of a wider US initiative aimed at tackling scams that target older people, who researchers say face a growing risk of online exploitation as fraudsters deploy increasingly sophisticated digital tools.
