Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, has been accused by United States prosecutors of masterminding an alleged online romance fraud scheme that reportedly used artificial intelligence tools and fabricated identities to swindle elderly Americans out of more than $8 million.

The allegations were outlined in a statement issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio after Kumi was extradited from Ghana to stand trial on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

According to prosecutors, Kumi and an alleged accomplice, Daniel Yussif, were part of a network that operated between April 2023 and November 2025, targeting elderly individuals across the United States through online platforms.

Investigators claim the group focused primarily on widows and divorced women, whom they allegedly approached through dating websites and social media channels.

Authorities allege that members of the network assumed false identities, posing as women to establish trust and emotional connections with victims before requesting money under various pretences.

The U.S. Department of Justice further claims that Kumi utilised artificial intelligence-powered video technology to reinforce the deception while impersonating non-existent female characters online.

Court filings indicate that other individuals linked to the alleged operation relied on encrypted messaging applications and telephone conversations to maintain the fraudulent personas and continue communicating with victims.

Prosecutors contend that many victims were led to believe they were engaged in legitimate romantic relationships and were subsequently persuaded to send funds to support fictitious inheritance claims involving gold and diamonds.

According to investigators, the money was deposited into accounts allegedly controlled by members of the scheme before being transferred to associates in Ghana and other jurisdictions.

U.S. authorities also allege that the operation employed money mules in Ghana and members of the Ghanaian diaspora in the United States to move and conceal the proceeds through bank accounts and shell companies.

The Department of Justice estimates that more than 80 elderly victims were defrauded, with total losses exceeding $8 million.

Prosecutors further allege that proceeds from the scheme were used to purchase a number of high-value assets, including a mansion in Ghana, a Lamborghini, a Tesla Cybertruck, a Mercedes-Benz, and a BMW.

Law enforcement agencies have since confiscated the assets as part of ongoing investigations.

Kumi was arrested in Ghana on December 11, 2025, and was later extradited to the United States on July 9, 2026, to face prosecution.

He is currently facing charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, while prosecutors seek the forfeiture of assets they believe were acquired through the alleged fraud.

If found guilty, Kumi could face up to 20 years' imprisonment on each count.

However, the charges remain allegations at this stage. Under U.S. law, Kumi is presumed innocent unless and until his guilt is established in court.