Ghanaian national Abu Trica, known officially as Frederick Kumi, has been indicted by the FBI for allegedly taking part in an $8 million romance fraud scheme that targeted elderly victims in the United States. The 31-year-old from Swedru gained popularity on Snapchat, but U.S. investigators say his flashy lifestyle was funded by online scams.
According to the U.S. indictment, Abu Trica and his associates used Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to create fake online identities. These identities were designed to appear as trustworthy romantic partners to elderly individuals who were lonely or looking for companionship online. Once victims began trusting the fake profiles, the scammers communicated with them frequently through calls, emails, and social media messages.
After building strong emotional connections, the victims were asked to send money for fake emergencies, including medical expenses, travel bills, or supposed business opportunities. Prosecutors say more than $8 million was collected through these false stories. The money was allegedly moved through different U.S. accounts before being sent to co-conspirators in Ghana and other countries.
The charges against Abu Trica include:
- Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
- Money laundering conspiracy
- A forfeiture count involving proceeds from the scheme
If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison. However, U.S. officials emphasise that an indictment is not proof of guilt. Abu Trica still has the right to a fair trial, and prosecutors must prove all allegations beyond reasonable doubt.
His arrest on December 11, 2025, was the result of cooperation between Ghanaian authorities and U.S. agencies, including the FBI, EOCO, the Ghana Police Service, the Cyber Security Authority, and the National Intelligence Bureau.
This case forms part of the U.S. Elder Justice Initiative, a program created to protect senior citizens from online scams, financial fraud, and abuse.
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