A federal grand jury has returned a 2-count indictment charging a Ghanaian National, Frederick Kumi, who also went by Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng, and Abu Trica, with defrauding elderly victims out of over $8 million.
Abu Trica, has been arrested by United States authorities in connection with an $8 million fraud scheme. Abu Trica is accused of being an accomplice in a criminal network involved in scamming senior citizens through elaborate romance scams. it is said that the criminal activity took place in 2023.
In a statement, the US Attorney’s office emphasized, “The indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial, in which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.”
An unsealed indictment from the US Justice Department reveals that Frederick Kumi, also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng, was arrested on Thursday, December 11, 2025, in Ghana. He faces multiple charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and a forfeiture specification, carrying a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison. The Justice Department further alleged that the socialite—known for his ostentatious displays of wealth and ownership of numerous luxury cars—was part of a criminal syndicate targeting elderly victims in the United States through romance fraud schemes. The group reportedly operated since 2023, defrauding victims of over $8 million.
According to the Justice Department, “Perpetrators of this romance scam used Artificial Intelligence software to assume false identities and form close personal relationships with victims. They gained victims’ trust to obtain money and valuables, often targeting individuals through social media and online dating platforms under false pretenses.”
The statement added, “Victims were often elderly and engaged in romantic but physically distant relationships with perpetrators.”
