Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), working with multiple local and international law enforcement agencies, has arrested a man authorities describe as one of the country’s most notorious cybercriminals, suspected of playing a key role in an $8 million romance scam targeting elderly victims in the United States.
The suspect, Frederick Kumi, also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng and popularly called “Abu Trica,” was arrested Thursday following months of intelligence gathering and investigations, EOCO said in a statement dated Dec. 12, 2025.
The operation was carried out by a multi-agency task force involving EOCO, the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), INTERPOL, the National Investigations Bureau (NIB), the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), and Ghana’s Office of the Attorney General.
According to EOCO, Kumi was part of a transnational criminal network that has been operating since 2023, carrying out sophisticated romance scams that targeted elderly individuals across the United States. Investigators say the group used artificial intelligence software to create false online identities and build emotional relationships with victims, primarily through social media platforms and online dating sites.
Once trust was established, the suspects allegedly persuaded victims to transfer money and other valuables under false pretenses, leading to losses estimated at about $8 million. Authorities said the use of AI tools allowed the network to convincingly impersonate real people and maintain prolonged online interactions with victims.
EOCO said Kumi is expected to be extradited to the United States, where he will face charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and forfeiture-related offenses. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison.
The agency praised the collaboration between Ghanaian institutions and international partners, particularly the FBI, describing the arrest as a significant step in combating cyber-enabled financial crimes.
EOCO reiterated its commitment to disrupting organized cybercrime networks and urged the public to remain vigilant online, noting that cybercriminals continue to exploit technology and emotional vulnerabilities to defraud victims across borders.
The arrest comes amid heightened regional and international efforts to crack down on cybercrime syndicates operating from West Africa, with authorities stressing the importance of intelligence-sharing and coordinated enforcement actions.
Below is the statement:
