Ghanaian socialite and self-styled “big boy,” Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, has been indicted in the United States over his alleged role in a sophisticated romance-scam network that authorities say defrauded elderly Americans of more than $8 million.
The indictment, unsealed in the Northern District of Ohio, identifies the 31-year-old—also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng—as part of a group that created fake identities across social media and dating platforms. According to U.S. prosecutors, the network allegedly used these convincing online personas to establish emotional relationships with older adults before pressuring them to send money for fabricated emergencies, travel expenses, or bogus investment deals.
Investigators say Kumi played a key role in coordinating the movement of the illicit funds from the United States to accomplices in Ghana and other locations. The scheme reportedly relied on strategic communication, trust-building conversations, and calculated manipulation to exploit vulnerable victims.
Kumi was arrested in Ghana on December 11, 2025, during a joint operation involving U.S. law enforcement and multiple Ghanaian agencies, including the Office of the Attorney General, EOCO, Ghana Police Service, Cyber Security Authority, NACOC, and the National Intelligence Bureau.
He now faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money-laundering conspiracy, and forfeiture-related offenses. If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison.
U.S. officials, however, stressed that he is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. The case is currently being handled by the FBI’s Cleveland Division and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. McDonough.
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