Frederick Kumi, a Ghanaian social media influencer known as Abu Trica, has been arrested in Ghana following allegations of orchestrating a romance scam. This scheme reportedly defrauded elderly Americans of over $8 million.
US prosecutors assert that Kumi used AI tools to create fake online identities, subsequently targeting victims through social media and dating sites. He is accused of building trust with these individuals before soliciting money from them under various false pretenses.
Legal Proceedings and Extradition
Kumi faces charges in the United States for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy. A conviction could result in a prison sentence of up to 20 years. His arrest in Ghana was a result of a joint operation between Ghanaian and US authorities, with the US now seeking his extradition. Kumi has not yet made a public statement regarding the allegations.
Public Profile and Alleged Scheme
Also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng, Kumi had over 100,000 followers on Instagram, where he frequently displayed luxury items. This online presence reportedly raised suspicions concerning the origin of his income.
Prosecutors detailed the alleged methodology of the scam:
- Perpetrators established trust through frequent, intimate conversations conducted via phone, email, and various messaging platforms.
- Following this, they would request money or valuables under fabricated circumstances, such as urgent medical needs, travel expenses, or investment opportunities.
- The funds or valuables were then purportedly directed to co-conspirators who posed as third parties.
- Kumi is alleged to have distributed these monies to his associates in both the United States and Ghana.
Broader Enforcement Efforts
This case is being prosecuted under the US Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution law. In recent months, US authorities have increased their efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating across the US and West Africa that target elderly Americans.
Examples of these enforcement actions include:
- In July, a Ghanaian national, known as Dada Joe Remix, was extradited to the US in connection with romance and inheritance schemes that allegedly defrauded Americans.
- Earlier this month, a US court sentenced Oluwaseun Adekoya, a Nigerian national identified as a ringleader in nationwide bank fraud and money laundering conspiracies, to 20 years in prison for laundering over $2 million.