A popular Ghanaian social media influencer known as Abu Trica, whose real name is Frederick Kumi, has been arrested over allegations he orchestrated a romance scam that defrauded elderly Americans of over $8 million (£5.9 million).
Prosecutors said he used AI tools to create fake online identities, targeting victims through social media and dating sites, earning their trust then extorting their money.
Kumi faces charges in the US of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and a money laundering conspiracy and could face up to 20 years in prison if found guilty.
The 31-year-old was arrested in Ghana following a joint operation between the two countries, and the US will now seek to extradite him.
He has not yet commented on the allegations. Known for flaunting luxury items online to his more than 100,000 Instagram followers, suspicions about the sources of his income were raised.
Prosecutors stated, The perpetrators built trust through frequent, intimate conversations by phone, email, and messaging platforms with victims, eventually requesting money or valuables under false pretenses like urgent medical needs or travel expenses.
The money was directed to co-conspirators posing as third parties, with Kumi allegedly distributing the funds to associates in the US and Ghana. The case is being handled under the US Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution law, amidst a rising crackdown on fraud networks targeting elderly Americans.
In recent months, the US authorities have intensified efforts against criminal networks in the US and West Africa. This marks a recognized trend, highlighted by past cases of extradited fraudsters like Dada Joe Remix and Oluwaseun Adekoya, also sentenced for substantial financial crimes.
Prosecutors said he used AI tools to create fake online identities, targeting victims through social media and dating sites, earning their trust then extorting their money.
Kumi faces charges in the US of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and a money laundering conspiracy and could face up to 20 years in prison if found guilty.
The 31-year-old was arrested in Ghana following a joint operation between the two countries, and the US will now seek to extradite him.
He has not yet commented on the allegations. Known for flaunting luxury items online to his more than 100,000 Instagram followers, suspicions about the sources of his income were raised.
Prosecutors stated, The perpetrators built trust through frequent, intimate conversations by phone, email, and messaging platforms with victims, eventually requesting money or valuables under false pretenses like urgent medical needs or travel expenses.
The money was directed to co-conspirators posing as third parties, with Kumi allegedly distributing the funds to associates in the US and Ghana. The case is being handled under the US Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution law, amidst a rising crackdown on fraud networks targeting elderly Americans.
In recent months, the US authorities have intensified efforts against criminal networks in the US and West Africa. This marks a recognized trend, highlighted by past cases of extradited fraudsters like Dada Joe Remix and Oluwaseun Adekoya, also sentenced for substantial financial crimes.
