The U.S. Justice Department has announced the indictment of Frederick Kumi, also known as Abu Trica, accusing him of playing a role in an $8 million romance-fraud scheme fueled by artificial intelligence.
Prosecutors say the criminal network used AI tools to impersonate online romantic partners, engaging elderly victims in prolonged emotional conversations before requesting money for fabricated crises such as medical needs or investment opportunities.
The indictment alleges that victims’ funds were funneled to co-conspirators disguised as third parties, obscuring the operation’s financial flow.
Kumi was arrested in Ghana on December 11, 2025, during a joint international enforcement effort. He faces charges including wire-fraud conspiracy, money-laundering conspiracy, and a forfeiture specification, which collectively carry a potential 20-year sentence.
He remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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