The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio has revealed that a federal grand jury has indicted 31-year-old Ghanaian Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, for defrauding victims of more than $8 million. Kumi, also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng, was arrested in Ghana on Thursday, December 11. According to the indictment, he was part of a criminal network that targeted elderly individuals across the United States through romance scams starting in 2023. The scheme allegedly involved the use of Artificial Intelligence to create multiple fake identities, allowing Kumi and his co-conspirators to build close personal relationships with victims, most of whom were elderly. The network reportedly approached targets via social media and online dating platforms, gaining their trust before asking for money or valuables under false pretenses. The indictment states that the scammers used intimate conversations over phone, email, and messaging apps to solicit funds for supposed medical emergencies, travel, and investment opportunities. After receiving money, Kumi and his associates allegedly funneled the funds from Ohio and other U.S. locations to accomplices in Ghana and beyond. Kumi faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and a forfeiture specification, with a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Sentencing will consider factors such as his role in the scheme, prior criminal record, and other circumstances, but will not exceed statutory maximums. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. McDonough, following an investigation by the FBI Cleveland Division. Abu Trica, a well-known social media figure in Ghana, has a large following and is often seen online flaunting luxury jewelry, stacks of cash, and traveling in convoys of exotic cars with friends.
