Ghanaian social media personalityFrederick Kumi, popularly known as“Abu Trica” on Snapchat, has been arrested following a U.S. indictment accusing him of helping run an$8 million romance scam targeting elderly Americans. The case has attracted widespread attention due to its use of AI-generated identities, cross-border money transfers, and collaboration between U.S. and Ghanaian authorities. This article breaks down everything you need to know about the allegations, arrest, and implications.
Who Is Abu Trica?
On Snapchat, Abu Trica presented himself as a young millionaire flaunting:
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Bundles of cash
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Luxury homes
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Expensive lifestyle displays
However, U.S. prosecutors allege that the wealth was funded by romance scams, not legitimate business activities. According to the indictment, he worked under aliases such as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng.
Why the FBI Is Involved
Because the victims were elderly U.S. citizens and the money flowed through American financial systems, the case falls under FBI jurisdiction.
The U.S. identifies key elements of the alleged crime:
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Wire fraud
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Money laundering
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Cross-border organised cybercrime
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Use of AI to deceive victims
The FBI Cleveland Division led the investigation with support from multiple agencies.
What the U.S. Says He Did
According to the unsealed indictment, the alleged criminal network:
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Created fake online identities using Artificial Intelligence
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Approached elderly victims on dating platforms and social media
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Built emotional relationships through constant messaging and calls
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Requested money for fabricated emergencies and investments
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Routed stolen funds through U.S. intermediaries before sending them to Ghana
The total amount stolen: over $8 million.
He has been charged with:
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Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
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Money laundering conspiracy
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Forfeiture count related to proceeds
How the Romance Scam Allegedly Worked
Authorities outline the scheme as follows:
Step 1: AI-generated identities
Scammers reportedly used AI tools to make convincing fake photos, profiles, and personas.
Step 2: Emotional grooming
Victims—mainly elderly and lonely—were drawn into:
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Daily calls
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Emails
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Social media chats
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Intimate emotional exchanges
Step 3: Requests for money
Victims were persuaded to send money for:
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Medical emergencies
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Travel
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“Business” investments
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Crisis payments
Step 4: Movement and laundering of funds
Money was first transferred to U.S.-based co-conspirators and then allegedly redirected to Ghanaian associates, including Kumi.
How He Was Arrested
Frederick Kumi was arrested in Ghana on December 11, 2025, after coordinated international action involving:
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Ghana Police Service
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EOCO
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Cyber Security Authority
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National Intelligence Bureau
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U.S. FBI and Homeland Security
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U.S. Department of Justice (OIA)
The U.S. Attorney’s Office publicly thanked Ghana for strong cooperation.
What Happens Next?
He faces a potential 20-year prison sentence if convicted.
Important legal clarifications include:
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An indictment is not proof of guilt
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The U.S. must prove the case beyond reasonable doubt
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He is entitled to a fair trial
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Any extradition request must be approved by a Ghanaian court
Why This Case Matters
The case is significant because it highlights:
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AI-powered fraud: Criminals increasingly use AI to create convincing identities.
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Targeting of elderly victims: A growing focus area for the U.S. Elder Justice Initiative.
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Rise of organised cybercrime networks with Ghana links.
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Deepening U.S.–Ghana cooperation in cybercrime crackdowns.
The U.S. Department of Justice notes that romance scams are among the most financially damaging crimes targeting seniors.
Quotes from the Official Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office stated:
“Perpetrators of this romance scam used Artificial Intelligence software to assume false identities and form close personal relationships with victims.”
The indictment alleges that the scheme relied heavily on misrepresentation and manipulation of emotionally vulnerable victims.
