Abu Trica accused of using AI in alleged $8m romance scam targeting elderly Americans

United States prosecutors say Ghanaian socialite Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, allegedly used artificial intelligence tools and fake online identities in a romance fraud scheme that targeted elderly Americans.

Kumi has been extradited from Ghana to the United States to face charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

The allegations were announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio after his extradition.

According to U.S. court documents, Kumi and his co-defendant, Daniel Yussif, allegedly led a criminal network that defrauded more than 80 elderly victims of over $8 million.

Prosecutors say the alleged scheme operated between April 2023 and November 2025.

The victims were allegedly identified through online dating platforms and social media.

Prosecutors say the group mainly targeted elderly widows and divorcees.

The alleged conspirators are accused of creating fictitious female identities to gain the trust of victims before persuading them to send money.

The U.S. Department of Justice alleges that Kumi used advanced techniques, including AI-driven video platforms, to communicate with victims while posing under fake female personas.

Other members of the alleged network are said to have used encrypted messaging applications and phone calls to maintain the false identities.

Investigators allege that the victims were made to believe they were in genuine romantic relationships.

They were then allegedly convinced to transfer money to support fabricated stories involving gold or diamond inheritances.

The money was allegedly paid into bank accounts controlled by members of the network.

Prosecutors say the funds were later distributed to accomplices in Ghana and other countries.

The U.S. authorities further allege that the group used money mules in Ghana and members of the Ghanaian immigrant community in the United States to launder the proceeds.

The funds were allegedly moved through shell businesses and bank accounts.

According to prosecutors, the alleged scheme generated more than $8 million from over 80 elderly victims.

Authorities also claim Kumi used proceeds of the alleged fraud to acquire luxury assets.

These include 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.

He was extradited to the United States on July 9, 2026.

Prosecutors are also seeking the forfeiture of assets they claim were acquired with proceeds from the alleged 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 his role in the alleged offences, his criminal history, if any, and other relevant factors.

The charges remain allegations.

Kumi is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.