The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio has announced a federal grand jury’s indictment charging a 31-year-old Ghanaian, popularly known as Abu Trica, with defrauding victims out of over $8 million.
Frederick Kumi (aka Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng, aka Abu Trica) was arrested in Ghana on Thursday, December 11. He was allegedly part of a ring that targeted elderly victims in romance scams across the United States since 2023.
The criminal network, according to the indictment, deployed Artificial Intelligence software to assume multiple fake identities and establish close personal relationships with victims, mostly elderly.
The perpetrators target individuals through social media and online dating platforms under false pretenses, and gain victims’ trust to obtain money and valuables, while engaging in romantic but distant relationships.
The indictment noted the strategic use of intimate conversations by phone, email, and messaging platforms to request cash for urgent medical needs, travel expenses, and investment opportunities, among others.
The charges allege that after the victims transferred funds, Kumi partnered with a network of co-conspirators to distribute the money from Ohio and across America to associates in Ghana and other locations.
Kumi, who faces up to 20 years in prison, has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and a forfeiture specification. If convicted, the sentence will be determined by the court after a review of factors unique to the case.
These include a defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, his role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. The Attorney said that the sentences, in all cases, will not exceed the statutory maximum. In most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. McDonough for the Northern District of Ohio, following an investigation conducted by the FBI Cleveland Division which preceded the indictment.
Abu Trica, a well-known youth in Ghana, has a large social following. In videos online and on his handles, the socialite is seen with several jewelry, stacks of new notes, and often move about in a convoy of exotic cars along with friends.
Ghana’s Abu Trica charged with $8 million fraud in US
