United States prosecutors have alleged that Frederick Kumi, also known as Abu Trica, used artificial intelligence-driven technology and fake online identities to orchestrate a romance scam that defrauded more than 80 elderly Americans of over $8 million.
The allegations were contained 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 targeted elderly victims across the United States between April 2023 and November 2025.
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Prosecutors allege that the group identified victims through online dating platforms and social media, focusing primarily on elderly widows and divorcees. They are accused of using fictitious female identities to build trust with victims before convincing them to send money under false pretences.
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 members of the alleged conspiracy used encrypted messaging applications and phone calls to maintain the fake identities.
According to investigators, victims were led to believe they were in genuine romantic relationships before being persuaded to transfer money to assist with fabricated stories involving gold or diamond inheritances.
The funds were allegedly deposited into bank accounts controlled by members of the conspiracy before being distributed to accomplices in Ghana and other countries.
Prosecutors further 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 businesses and bank accounts.
The U.S. Department of Justice alleges that the scheme generated more than $8 million from over 80 elderly victims.
Authorities also allege that Kumi used proceeds from the alleged fraud to acquire luxury assets, including a mansion in Ghana, a Lamborghini, a Tesla Cybertruck, a Mercedes-Benz, and a BMW. The assets have since been seized by law enforcement.
Kumi was arrested in Ghana on December 11, 2025, and extradited to the United States on July 9, 2026.
He has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Prosecutors are also seeking the forfeiture of assets they allege were acquired with proceeds of the scheme.
If convicted, Kumi faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment on each count. Any sentence will be determined by the court after considering factors including his criminal history, if any, his alleged role in the offences and other relevant sentencing considerations.
As with all criminal proceedings, the allegations remain unproven, and Kumi is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
CNR