Ghanaian Influencer Accused of $8 Million Romance Scam Targeting Seniors
A popular Ghanaian social media influencer known as Abu Trica, whose real name is Frederick Kumi, has been arrested over allegations he orchestrated a romance scam that defrauded elderly Americans of over $8 million (£5.9 million).
Prosecutors stated that he used AI tools to create fake online identities, targeting victims through social media and dating sites, earning their trust before extorting their money.
Kumi faces charges in the U.S. for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and a money laundering conspiracy, with a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
The 31-year-old was arrested in Ghana following a cooperative operation between Ghanaian and U.S. officials, and the U.S. is now seeking to extradite him.
He has yet to comment on the allegations.
Kumi, also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng, flaunted luxury items online to his over 100,000 Instagram followers, raising suspicions about his income sources.
The scheme involved building trust through regular, intimate conversations via phone, email, and messaging, after which victims were manipulated into sending money or valuables under false pretenses such as urgent medical needs or travel expenses.
Allegations state that the money was sent to co-conspirators posing as third parties, and Kumi allegedly funneled the funds to his associates in both the U.S. and Ghana.
This case falls under the U.S. Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution law. Authorities in the U.S. have intensified their fight against criminal networks operating both domestically and in West Africa that target elderly individuals for fraud.
