The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has released fresh details regarding an ongoing investigation into an alleged international romance fraud network linked to several Ghanaian suspects, including social media personality and businessman Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica.
According to a statement from the FBI, the investigation involves at least five Ghanaian nationals accused of orchestrating romance scams that allegedly defrauded more than 130 victims across the United States.
Authorities claim the syndicate targeted mainly elderly Americans, using deceptive online relationships to convince victims to transfer large sums of money. Investigators estimate that the group stole more than $15 million from victims in multiple states.
The FBI disclosed that three of the suspects, who were residing in the United States, were arrested this week as part of an ongoing operation. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to extradite two additional suspects believed to be in Ghana.
Among those named by the bureau is Frederick Kumi, also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng and Abu Trica, a 31-year-old resident of Swedru. Another suspect identified in the statement is Daniel Yussif, also known as Denteni or Slab, a 31-year-old resident of Accra.
“Frederick Kumi, aka Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng, aka Abu Trica, 31, of Swedru, Ghana; and Daniel Yussif, aka Denteni, aka Slab, 31, of Accra, Ghana, are awaiting extradition,” part of the FBI release reportedly stated.
The bureau further revealed that significant assets were recovered during coordinated search and arrest operations conducted in Ghana in collaboration with local authorities.
According to investigators, the seized assets are valued at more than $3 million and include several luxury vehicles, among them a Lamborghini, Tesla Cybertruck, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW.
