Ghanaian National Arrested for Allegedly Defrauding Elderly Victims Of Over $8 Million In Romance Scams.

Walter Sena
By
Ghanaian National Arrested for Allegedly Defrauding Elderly Victims Of Over $8 Million In Romance Scams.
Abu Trica
A federal grand jury in the United States has indicted a Ghanaian national for allegedly defrauding elderly victims of more than $8 million through online romance scams.

Frederick Kumi, also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng and Abu Trica, 31, from Swedru, Ghana, was arrested in his home country on December 11, 2025. The recently unsealed indictment alleges that Kumi was part of an international criminal network that targeted elderly individuals across the United States since 2023.



According to authorities, Abu Trica and his co-conspirators used Artificial Intelligence software to create fake identities and establish close, seemingly romantic relationships with victims. These relationships, maintained via phone calls, emails and messaging platforms, were used to build trust, after which victims were persuaded to send money or valuables under false pretenses such as urgent medical expenses, travel costs, or investment opportunities.

The indictment further alleges that after receiving funds, Abu Trica coordinated with his network to transfer the money from across the United States to accomplices in Ghana and other locations.

Abu Trica faces charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy and a forfeiture specification. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison.

U.S. authorities, including the FBI Legal Attaché Office in Accra, U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Sensitive Investigation Unit, worked closely with Ghanaian agencies such as the Attorney General’s Office, EOCO, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Cyber Security Authority, NACOC and the Ghana National Intelligence Bureau to bring Abu Trica to justice.

This case is part of the Elder Justice Initiative Program, stemming from the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act of 2017 (EAPPA), which seeks to combat elder abuse, neglect and financial fraud targeting senior citizens.

Authorities have warned the public to remain vigilant against online scams and to report suspicious activities that could exploit vulnerable individuals.

Source: PRESS RELEASE
JUSTICE.GOV

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