A popular Ghanaian social media influencer known as Abu Trica, whose real name is Frederick Kumi, has been arrested over allegations he orchestrated a romance scam that defrauded elderly Americans of over $8 million (£5.9 million). Prosecutors said he used AI tools to create fake online identities, targeting victims through social media and dating sites, earning their trust then extorting their money. Kumi faces charges in the U.S. of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and a money laundering conspiracy and faces up to 20 years in prison if found guilty. The 31-year-old was arrested in Ghana following a joint operation between the two countries and the U.S. will now seek to extradite him.
He has not yet commented on the allegations. Kumi, also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng, flaunted luxury items online to his more than 100,000 Instagram followers. This raised suspicions about the sources of his income. Prosecutors stated, 'The perpetrators built trust through frequent, intimate conversations by phone, email, and messaging platforms' with victims. They then requested money or valuables under false pretenses, such as urgent medical needs, travel expenses, or investment opportunities. The funds were directed to co-conspirators posing as third parties. Kumi allegedly distributed the money to his associates in the U.S. and Ghana.
The case is being prosecuted under the U.S. Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution law. U.S. authorities have recently increased their efforts to crack down on criminal networks operating within the U.S. that target elderly Americans. In July 2023, an alleged Ghanaian fraudster, popularly known as Dada Joe Remix, was extradited to the U.S. for using various schemes to defraud Americans. Earlier this month, a court in the U.S. sentenced a Nigerian ringleader of nationwide bank fraud and money laundering conspiracies to 20 years in prison for laundering over $2 million.
He has not yet commented on the allegations. Kumi, also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng, flaunted luxury items online to his more than 100,000 Instagram followers. This raised suspicions about the sources of his income. Prosecutors stated, 'The perpetrators built trust through frequent, intimate conversations by phone, email, and messaging platforms' with victims. They then requested money or valuables under false pretenses, such as urgent medical needs, travel expenses, or investment opportunities. The funds were directed to co-conspirators posing as third parties. Kumi allegedly distributed the money to his associates in the U.S. and Ghana.
The case is being prosecuted under the U.S. Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution law. U.S. authorities have recently increased their efforts to crack down on criminal networks operating within the U.S. that target elderly Americans. In July 2023, an alleged Ghanaian fraudster, popularly known as Dada Joe Remix, was extradited to the U.S. for using various schemes to defraud Americans. Earlier this month, a court in the U.S. sentenced a Nigerian ringleader of nationwide bank fraud and money laundering conspiracies to 20 years in prison for laundering over $2 million.
