The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio has announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a 31-year-old Ghanaian, widely known as Abu Trica, for defrauding victims of more than $8 million
Frederick Kumi, also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng or Abu Trica, was arrested in Ghana on Thursday, December 11. According to the indictment, he was part of a criminal network that targeted elderly individuals in romance scams across the United States starting in 2023.
The scheme allegedly involved the use of Artificial Intelligence software to create multiple fake identities, enabling Kumi and his co-conspirators to establish close personal relationships with victims, most of whom were elderly. The group reportedly approached targets through social media and online dating platforms, gaining their trust before soliciting money and valuables under false pretenses.
The indictment details that the perpetrators used intimate conversations via phone, email, and messaging apps to request funds for supposed medical emergencies, travel, and investment opportunities. Once the victims transferred money, Kumi and his network allegedly distributed the funds from Ohio and other U.S. locations to associates in Ghana and elsewhere.
Kumi faces charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and a forfeiture specification, carrying a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Sentencing will consider factors such as prior criminal history, the defendant’s role in the offense, and other case-specific circumstances, though sentences will not exceed statutory maximums.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. McDonough for the Northern District of Ohio, following an FBI Cleveland Division investigation that led to the indictment.
Abu Trica, a prominent figure among Ghanaian youth, is known for his substantial social media following. Online videos frequently show him displaying luxury jewelry, large amounts of cash, and traveling in convoys of exotic cars with friends.
Follow Us on Facebook – @LadunLiadi; Instagram – @LadunLiadi; Twitter – @LadunLiadi; Youtube – @LadunLiadiTV for updates
No to fraud