Ghanaian social media influencer, Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, has been arrested over claims that he ran an online romance scheme that defrauded older Americans out of more than $8m (£5.9m).
According to prosecutors, Abu Trica allegedly used artificial intelligence (AI) to craft fake personas, contacted victims on social media and dating platforms, gained their confidence, and then pressured them into sending money.
Kumi is now facing charges in the United States, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to launder money, and could spend as long as 20 years in a US prison if convicted.
The 31-year-old was arrested in Ghana after a coordinated effort between Ghanaian and US authorities, and the US government is expected to request his extradition.
He has not issued any public response to the accusations.
Frederick Kumi, who also goes by the name Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng, regularly showcased expensive items to his more than 100,000 Instagram followers, displays that later fuelled questions about how he funded his lifestyle.
Prosecutors said the group behind the scheme built emotional connections with victims through constant, personal communication over calls, emails, and messaging apps.
”The perpetrators built trust through frequent, intimate conversations by phone, email, and messaging platforms with victims,” said prosecutors.
“They then requested money or valuables under false pretences, such as urgent medical needs, travel expenses, or investment opportunities.”
The funds were allegedly routed through accomplices acting as intermediaries, with Kumi distributing the proceeds to partners in both the US and Ghana.
The case is being prosecuted under the US Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act, as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle fraud networks based in the US and West Africa that target older Americans.
KanyiDaily had also reported how James Junior Aliyu, a 30-year-old Nigerian man who was living in South Africa at the time of his crimes, pleaded guilty in a U.S. court to charges of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering.
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