Ghanaian Man Arrested Over $8 Million U.S. Romance Scam
Frederick Kumi, popularly known as “Abu Trica,” arrested in Ghana
Accra, Ghana- Frederick Kumi, popularly known as “Abu Trica,” has been arrested in Ghana for his alleged role in a major international cybercrime scheme that U.S. authorities say defrauded elderly victims of more than $8 million across the United States. The arrest, made on Thursday, December 11, 2025, follows a federal grand jury indictment in the Northern District of Ohio, where prosecutors accuse Kumi of being a key organizer in a romance scam network operating from Ghana and other countries since 2023.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the scheme involved creating fake online profiles to lure victims, mostly elderly Americans, into romantic relationships. Once trust was gained, they would request money for fabricated emergencies, travel expenses, or business opportunities.
Court filings allege that Kumi coordinated the transfer of stolen funds from U.S. bank accounts to Ghana and other destinations. He faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy, both carrying severe federal penalties. “The group systematically preyed on vulnerable individuals, convincing them to send their savings and retirement funds under false pretenses,” the DOJ said in a statement.
U.S. prosecutors said the investigation was part of a joint effort with Ghanaian law enforcement, reflecting deepening cooperation between the two countries in combating transnational financial crimes. Kumi’s arrest quickly sparked debate on social media, with some defending him and others mocking his alleged crimes. Prominent legal activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor posted on X (formerly Twitter): “This one paa dier I am ready to defend Abu Trica to fight the extradition. If they won’t bring Ken Ofori-Atta, then good lawyers must intervene for Abu. Draw – Draw!”
He later added, “Our law enforcement agencies are too eager to arrest and extradite Ghanaians to America. The Americans never show us the same courtesy. This has to stop! Our crimes matter too.”
Social media influencer Seyram also weighed in humorously, writing: “Nobody excite pass the 9–5 workers. People be disrespecting them because they steal money from others. 9–5 workers 1 : 0 reverse cyber guys.” The case follows several recent high-profile arrests and extraditions of Ghanaians linked to romance scams and online financial fraud.
In August 2025, three men Isaac Oduro Boateng, Inusah Ahmed, and Derrick Van Yeboah were extradited to the U.S. for allegedly stealing more than $100 million through online romance and business email compromise schemes.
Earlier this year, other Ghanaian nationals were convicted in U.S. courts for laundering money connected to similar operations based in Ghana.
U.S. officials say such scams often rely on “money mules” and digital intermediaries in West Africa to move stolen funds quickly beyond American jurisdiction. Ghana’s Cybercrime Unit has pledged continued cooperation with international partners to track and dismantle these networks.
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Abdul Rahman Taofiq
Abdul Rahman Taofiq is a Ghanaian journalist , focusing on politics, culture, and diaspora affairs..