A Ghanaian national has been indicted by a U.S. federal grand jury for allegedly orchestrating a transnational romance scam that defrauded elderly Americans of more than $8 million, U.S. prosecutors said on Thursday.
Frederick Kumi, also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng and Abu Trica, 31, of Swedru, Ghana, was arrested a few hours ago in his hideout in Accra following a joint investigation involving U.S. and Ghanaian law enforcement agencies. He faces two counts: conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy.
According to the indictment unsealed in the Northern District of Ohio, Kumi was part of a criminal network that operated since 2023, using artificial intelligence tools to create false online identities.
Eye witnesses say ‘Abu Trica’ was arrested in the company of two others in one of Accra’s plush apartments at the airport residential area.
The group allegedly targeted elderly individuals across the United States through social media and dating platforms, initiating emotionally manipulative relationships to solicit money and valuables under false pretenses.
“Victims were deceived into believing they were in genuine romantic relationships,” the indictment states. “They were persuaded to send funds for fabricated emergencies, including medical expenses and travel costs.”
Once the funds were transferred, Kumi and his co-conspirators allegedly laundered the money through intermediaries in the U.S. before routing it to Ghana and other locations.
If convicted, Kumi faces up to 20 years in prison. Sentencing will depend on factors including his role in the offense and any prior criminal history, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
The case is being prosecuted under the Elder Justice Initiative, a U.S. Department of Justice program aimed at combating elder abuse and financial exploitation.
The FBI Cleveland Division led the investigation, with support from multiple Ghanaian agencies including the Attorney General’s Office, EOCO, the Ghana Police Service, and the Cyber Security Authority.
Authorities emphasized that an indictment is not a finding of guilt and that Kumi is presumed innocent until proven otherwise.
The case highlights growing concerns over the use of AI in online fraud and the vulnerability of elderly populations to digital deception. U.S. officials have urged the public to report suspected elder financial abuse via tips.fbi.gov or justice.gov/elderjustice.