U.S. prosecutors have accused a Ghanaian national known as Abu Trica of using artificial intelligence (AI) to orchestrate a romance fraud scheme that allegedly swindled more than 80 elderly Americans out of over $8 million.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio, Frederick Kumi, also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng and Abu Trica, was extradited from Ghana to the United States on July 9, 2026, to face charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.
Court documents allege that Kumi and co-defendant Daniel Yussif led a criminal network that operated between April 2023 and November 2025, targeting elderly victims through online dating platforms and social media.
Prosecutors claim the group relied on AI-driven video platforms to create highly convincing fake female identities, enabling them to build trust with victims before persuading them to send money based on fabricated stories involving gold and diamond inheritances.
Investigators further allege that other members of the syndicate used encrypted messaging applications and phone calls to maintain the false identities, while proceeds from the fraud were laundered through fake businesses, bank accounts and money mules in Ghana and the United States.
Authorities say assets believed to have been acquired with proceeds from the alleged scheme have been seized, including a mansion in Ghana and luxury vehicles such as a Lamborghini, Tesla Cybertruck, Mercedes-Benz and BMW.
The case highlights growing concerns among law enforcement agencies over the use of artificial intelligence to make online scams more sophisticated and convincing.
The investigation was led by the FBI with support from several Ghanaian agencies, including the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the Ghana Police Service, the Cyber Security Authority and the Office of the Attorney-General.
Kumi faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. However, the U.S. Department of Justice noted that the charges are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
CREDIT: MAVIS FANTEVI