A Ghanaian man extradited to the United States is facing allegations that he used artificial intelligence tools, fake identities and online deception to run a romance scam that allegedly targeted elderly Americans and caused losses exceeding $8 million.
Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, was flown from Ghana to the U.S. to answer charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio.
U.S. prosecutors claim Kumi and his alleged accomplice, Daniel Yussif, operated a criminal network that defrauded victims between April 2023 and November 2025 by exploiting online relationships.
Court documents cited by prosecutors indicate that the group allegedly searched for victims on dating websites and social media platforms, with a particular focus on elderly widows and divorcees. The suspects are accused of creating false female identities and using emotional manipulation to gain the trust of their targets before asking them for money.
The U.S. Department of Justice said Kumi “employed advanced techniques including AI-driven video platforms to engage with the victims under fictitious female personas,” while other alleged members of the group relied on encrypted messaging services and phone conversations to sustain the impersonation.
Investigators allege that victims were convinced they were involved in genuine romantic relationships before being persuaded to send money based on fabricated claims involving gold or diamond inheritances.
According to prosecutors, the money was transferred into bank accounts allegedly controlled by members of the network before being moved to accomplices in Ghana and other countries.
Authorities further allege that the group relied on money mules in Ghana and members of the Ghanaian immigrant community in the United States to move and conceal millions of dollars through shell companies and financial accounts.
The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that the alleged operation generated more than $8 million from over 80 elderly victims.
Prosecutors also claim Kumi used proceeds from the alleged scheme to purchase high-value properties and vehicles, including a mansion in Ghana, a Lamborghini, a Tesla Cybertruck, a Mercedes-Benz and a BMW. The assets have since been seized by authorities.
Kumi was arrested in Ghana on December 11, 2025, before being extradited to the United States on July 9, 2026.
He faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Prosecutors are also pursuing the forfeiture of assets they allege were obtained through proceeds from the scheme.
If convicted, Kumi could face up to 20 years in prison on each charge. Any sentence, however, would be determined by the court after considering factors such as his criminal history, if any, his alleged involvement in the offences and other relevant sentencing guidelines.
The allegations against Kumi have not been proven in court. He remains presumed innocent unless and until he is found guilty through due legal process.
