Ghanaian Man Charged in $8m Elderly Romance Scam

A Ghanaian national, Frederick Kumi, also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng and Abu Trica, has been indicted in the United States for allegedly defrauding elderly victims of over $8 million. The indictment, unsealed recently, details a sophisticated romance scam operation targeting vulnerable individuals since 2023.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio, 31-year-old Abu Trica, who hails from Swedru, was a key player in a criminal network. He was arrested in Ghana on December 11, 2025, and now faces serious charges in the U.S.

The scam involved the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) software to create convincing false identities. These personas were then used to build romantic relationships with victims, primarily through social media and online dating platforms. Perpetrators gained the trust of their victims over time, engaging in frequent and intimate communication via phone, email, and messaging apps.

Once a bond of trust was established, the scammers began requesting money under various pretenses, including urgent medical expenses, travel costs, and investment opportunities. Victims, believing they were helping their loved ones, willingly transferred funds, which were then allegedly routed through a network of co-conspirators in Ohio and across the U.S., ultimately ending up with associates in Ghana and other locations.

“This case highlights the devastating impact of romance scams, particularly on our elderly population,” stated Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. McDonough, who is prosecuting the case. “We are committed to holding these perpetrators accountable and protecting vulnerable individuals from financial exploitation.”

Trica is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison. However, the court will consider various factors, including his criminal history and role in the offense, when determining the final sentence.

Authorities emphasize that an indictment is not proof of guilt, and Trica is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The investigation was led by the FBI Cleveland Division, with significant cooperation from Ghanaian law enforcement agencies, including the Attorney General’s Office, EOCO, GPS, Ghana Cyber Security Authority, NACOC, and the Ghana National Intelligence Bureau.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office expressed gratitude for the collaboration with its Ghanaian counterparts, as well as the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and other agencies. This prosecution is part of the Elder Justice Initiative, stemming from the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act of 2017, aimed at combating elder fraud and abuse.

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