The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has confirmed the arrest of one of Ghana’s notorious cyber-fraud suspects, Frederick Kumi also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng and popularly called Abu Trica for allegedly playing a key role in an $8 million romance-scam scheme that targeted elderly victims in the United States.
In a statement released on Friday, December 12, 2025, EOCO said Kumi was arrested on Thursday, December 11, after months of coordinated investigations involving the FBI, INTERPOL, the National Investigations Bureau (NIB), the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), and the Office of the Attorney General.
According to EOCO, the criminal network used advanced AI tools to create fake identities, build false romantic relationships with victims, many of them elderly and trick them into sending money and valuables.
EOCO added that Abu Trica is expected to be extradited to the United States, where he will face several charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money-laundering conspiracy, and a forfeiture specification.
If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison.
The agency praised both local and international partners for their collaboration, describing the arrest as a major step forward in the fight against cross-border cybercrime.
