Abu Trica faces up to 20 years in US prison - Report

After making international headlines following his extradition to the United States, new details have emerged about Ghanaian socialite Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica.

A recent report on the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio website, sighted by GhanaWeb on July 14, 2026, has detailed how Abu Trica allegedly defrauded elderly victims through romance scams.

The report, which also outlined the luxury vehicles and properties allegedly acquired by Abu Trica, revealed that his mansion and other assets have been seized by US authorities.

Abu Trica extradited to US over alleged $8 million romance scam

"…After being misled by false stories of gold or diamond inheritances, the victims sent money via wire transfer to financial accounts controlled by conspiracy members. Portions of the funds were further provided to co-conspirators in Ghana and elsewhere. Kumi and other co-conspirators used money mules based in Ghana and contacts in the Ghanaian immigrant community in the U.S. to launder millions of dollars through fake businesses and bank accounts.

"Kumi allegedly used his ill-gotten gains to acquire luxury vehicles and other items of value. Assets seized by international law enforcement partners included a mansion in Ghana, a Lamborghini, a Tesla Cybertruck, a Mercedes-Benz, and a BMW," the report stated.

The report further noted that Abu Trica, who has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy, faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

"Kumi has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy. Additionally, his ill-gotten gains are subject to forfeiture. Kumi faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment.

"If convicted, each defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after a review of factors unique to the case, including each defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, his role in the offence, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentences will not exceed the statutory maximum, and in most cases, they will be less than the maximum," it added.

Abu Trica's transfer more like a rendition than an extradition - Edudzi Tameklo

Meanwhile, the 31-year-old was extradited from Ghana to face charges involving the alleged defrauding of more than 80 elderly victims of over $8 million.

According to court documents, Frederick Kumi, also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng and Abu Trica, of Swedru, Ghana, and co-defendant Daniel Yussif, also known as Denteni and Slab, 31, of Accra, were part of a criminal network that allegedly targeted elderly victims in romance scams across the United States from 2023.

Kumi was arrested in Ghana on December 11, 2025, and extradited to the United States on July 9, 2026.

JHM/BAI

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