Abu Trica Charged in US Over Alleged $8 Million Romance Scam Targeting 80 Elderly Victims

United States prosecutors have accused Frederick Kumi, also known as Abu Trica, of using artificial intelligence-powered technology and fake online identities to orchestrate a romance scam that allegedly defrauded more than 80 elderly Americans of over $8 million.

The allegations were outlined in a statement issued by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio following Kumi's extradition from Ghana to the United States to face charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

According to U.S. court documents, Kumi and his co-defendant, Daniel Yussif, allegedly led a criminal network that targeted elderly victims across the United States between April 2023 and November 2025.

Prosecutors allege that the group identified victims through online dating platforms and social media, primarily targeting elderly widows and divorcees. Using fictitious female identities, they allegedly built trust with victims before persuading them to send money under false pretences.

The U.S. Department of Justice claims Kumi used AI-powered video technology to communicate with victims while posing as fictitious female personas. Other members of the alleged conspiracy are said to have relied on encrypted messaging applications and phone calls to maintain the fake identities.

Investigators say victims were manipulated into believing they were in genuine romantic relationships before being persuaded to transfer money to support fabricated stories involving gold or diamond inheritances.

The funds were allegedly deposited into bank accounts controlled by members of the conspiracy before being distributed to accomplices in Ghana and other countries.

Prosecutors further allege that the network used money mules in Ghana and members of the Ghanaian immigrant community in the United States to launder millions of dollars through shell companies and bank accounts.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the alleged scheme generated more than $8 million from over 80 elderly victims.

Authorities also allege that Kumi used proceeds from the scheme to acquire luxury assets, including a mansion in Ghana, a Lamborghini, a Tesla Cybertruck, a Mercedes-Benz, and a BMW. The assets have since been seized by law enforcement.

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

He has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Prosecutors are also seeking the forfeiture of assets they allege were acquired using proceeds from the scheme.

If convicted, Kumi faces a maximum sentence of 20 years' imprisonment on each count. Any sentence will be determined by the court after considering factors such as his criminal history, if any, his alleged role in the offences, and other relevant sentencing considerations.

As with all criminal proceedings, the allegations remain unproven, and Kumi is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Source: https://www.citinewsroom.com/2026/07/abu-trica-defrauded-80-elderly-americans-in-alleged-8m-romance-scam-us-prosecutors/