United States prosecutors have accused Frederick Kumi, also known as Abu Trica, of using artificial intelligence-powered technology and fake online identities to orchestrate a romance scam that allegedly defrauded more than 80 elderly Americans of over $8 million.
The allegations were outlined in a statement issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio following Kumi’s extradition from Ghana to the United States to face charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
According to U.S. court documents, Kumi and his co-defendant, Daniel Yussif, allegedly led a criminal network that operated between April 2023 and November 2025, targeting elderly victims across the United States.
Prosecutors allege that the group identified victims through online dating platforms and social media, focusing mainly on elderly widows and divorcees. The suspects allegedly created fake female identities to establish romantic relationships with victims before persuading them to send money under false pretences.
The U.S. Department of Justice further alleges that Kumi used advanced artificial intelligence-driven video technology to communicate with victims while posing as fictitious female personas. Other members of the alleged network reportedly relied on encrypted messaging applications and phone calls to sustain the deception.
Investigators claim victims were convinced they were in genuine romantic relationships before being persuaded to transfer money to help secure fictitious gold or diamond inheritances.
According to prosecutors, the funds were deposited into bank accounts controlled by members of the alleged conspiracy before being distributed to accomplices in Ghana and other countries.
Authorities also allege that the network used money mules in Ghana and members of the Ghanaian immigrant community in the United States to launder millions of dollars through shell companies and bank accounts.
The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that the alleged scheme generated more than $8 million from over 80 elderly victims.
Prosecutors further allege that Kumi used proceeds from the suspected fraud to acquire luxury assets, including a mansion in Ghana, a Lamborghini, a Tesla Cybertruck, a Mercedes-Benz and a BMW. Law enforcement authorities have since seized the assets.
Kumi was arrested in Ghana on December 11, 2025, and extradited to the United States on July 9, 2026, to face prosecution.
He has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, while prosecutors are also seeking the forfeiture of assets they believe were purchased with proceeds from the alleged scheme.
If convicted, Kumi faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment on each count. Any sentence imposed will ultimately be determined by the court after considering relevant legal and sentencing factors.
Kumi remains presumed innocent unless and until the allegations against him are proven beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Source: Wesleyannews.com
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