Abu Trica was extradited to US to face allegations related to an alleged $8m romance fraud
Details have emerged following the extradition of Ghanaian socialite Frederick Kumi, popularly known online as Abu Trica, to the United States, where he faces federal charges linked to an alleged multi-million-dollar romance fraud scheme worth $8 million.
According to American reporter Larry Miller, Abu Trica appeared before a US federal court in Ohio on Friday, July 10, 2026, a day after his extradition to the United States.
The socialite has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Reports indicate that he could face a maximum prison sentence of up to 20 years if found guilty of the two charges.
During his first court appearance before Judge John Adams, Abu Trica is said to have pleaded not guilty to both charges.
Court documents also confirm that he is being represented by an Ohio-based attorney.
How the New York Times reported on Abu Trica's extradition to the US
His jury trial has been scheduled to begin on September 8, 2026.
“In court before Judge Adams, Kumi pleaded not guilty to both Count One and Count Two. Court documents also state that a detention waiver was executed. A jury trial has been scheduled for September 8, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
“Kumi is represented by an attorney based in Ohio. I reached out to the attorney for comment but have not yet received a response. As soon as I hear back, I’ll pass that information along to you,” Larry Miller stated.
Abu Trica, whose real name is Frederick Kumi, was extradited to the United States from Ghana on July 9, 2026, to face allegations that he played a key role in a romance scam that allegedly defrauded elderly Americans of more than $8 million (approximately £5.9 million).
He has since denied all the allegations against him.
According to US prosecutors, the alleged fraud scheme involved the use of artificial intelligence tools to create fake online identities, which were then used to deceive victims.
Investigators claim that many of the victims, including elderly Americans, were approached through social media and online dating platforms, where they were drawn into frequent and intimate conversations intended to gain their trust.
Prosecutors allege that after establishing relationships with the victims, the suspects persuaded them to send money or valuables under false pretences, including claims of urgent medical emergencies, travel expenses, and investment opportunities.
The funds and valuables were allegedly transferred to co-conspirators posing as third parties, with prosecutors claiming that Kumi later distributed the proceeds among associates based in both the United States and Ghana.
🚨ICYMI🇬🇭🇺🇸⚖️: Ghanaian national Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, has appeared before a U.S. federal court in Ohio on Friday, July 10, after being extradited to the United States.
Kumi pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering… https://t.co/4wdYmsQcrR pic.twitter.com/LbBq7Gp6KP
— Ölele Salvador🦅🇬🇭 (@OleleSalvador) July 11, 2026
Copyright © 1994 - 2026 GhanaWeb. All rights reserved.
