Ghanaian influencer charged over $8m scam targeting elderly Americans

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete December 12, 2025 at 12:47 PM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

Ghanaian social media influencer Frederick Kumi, known as Abu Trica, was arrested in Ghana for allegedly defrauding elderly Americans of over $8 million through a romance scam. US prosecutors allege Kumi used AI to create fake online identities, building trust with victims on social media and dating sites before extorting money under false pretenses. Kumi faces charges in the US of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, potentially carrying a 20-year prison sentence. The arrest was a joint operation between Ghana and the US, with the US seeking Kumi's extradition. This case is part of a larger US crackdown on criminal networks in the US and West Africa targeting elderly Americans.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Ghana ×380% Abu Trica ×4100% Frederick Kumi ×2100% Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng ×2100% United States ×5100%

Keywords

romance scam 100% elderly americans 90% fraud 80% money laundering 70% extradition 60% wire fraud 60% ghana 50% artificial intelligence 50% social media influencer 40% elder abuse prevention 40%