Ghanaian “Big Boy”, Abu Trica, Indicted In $8m U.S. Romance Sc@m Targeting Elderly Victims

Ghanaian socialite Frederick Kumi, widely known as Abu Trica, has been indicted in the United States for allegedly helping run a romance-fr@ud scheme that defr@uded elderly Americans of more than $8 million.

According to a federal indictment unsealed in the Northern District of Ohio, the 31-year-old from Swedru, also identified as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng, was part of a network that used fake online identities to lure victims. Prosecutors say the group created convincing profiles on social media and dating sites, built emotional connections with older adults, then requested money for fabricated emergencies, travel needs or investment opportunities.

The indictment alleges that Kumi helped coordinate the movement of st%len funds from the U.S. to partners in Ghana and other locations. Investigators say the scheme relied on constant communication to gain victims’ trust before exploiting them financially.

Kumi was arrested in Ghana on December 11, 2025, following a joint operation involving U.S. authorities and Ghana’s Attorney General’s Office, EOCO, Ghana Police Service, Cyber Security Authority, NACOC, and the National Intelligence Bureau.

He faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fr@ud, money-l@undering conspiracy, and forfeiture-related offenses. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison. Officials emphasized that he remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Cleveland Division and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. McDonough.