Abu Trica indicted in US for $8m romance fraud, arrested by authorities in Ghana

United States authorities have indicted popular Ghanaian social media entrepreneur Frederick Kumi, also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng, and widely known as Abu Trica, for his alleged role in defrauding elderly victims of over $8 million.

According to unsealed documents from the US Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio, Abu Trica is accused of being part of a criminal network that targeted senior citizens through online romance scams across the United States since 2023.

He was, however, arrested by authorities in Ghana on Thursday, December 11, 2025.

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Prosecutors allege that Abu Trica and his co-conspirators used Artificial Intelligence software to assume false identities and cultivate intimate online relationships with victims.

They then gained the trust of elderly individuals through social media and dating platforms before soliciting money or valuables under false pretenses, including urgent medical expenses, travel costs, and investment opportunities.

The indictment further claims that once funds were transferred, Abu Trica helped distribute the money from Ohio to co-conspirators in Ghana and other locations.

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

Consequently, sentencing will consider factors such as his role in the crimes, prior criminal record, and other circumstances.

“The indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt,” a statement from the US Attorney’s Office noted.

It added that; “The defendant is entitled to a fair trial, in which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.”

The investigation was led by the FBI’s Cleveland Division and is being prosecuted by Assistant US Attorney Brian M McDonough for the Northern District of Ohio.

Authorities said the case involved collaboration with multiple agencies, including Ghana’s Attorney General’s Office, EOCO, the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Cyber Security Authority, NACOC, the Ghana National Intelligence Bureau, and US federal agencies including the DEA and Homeland Security Investigations.

Officials added that the prosecution is part of the Elder Justice Initiative Program, created under the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act of 2017, aimed at combating elder abuse and financial fraud targeting seniors.

MA

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