Ghanaian socialite Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, has come under scrutiny following conflicting claims about his age after being extradited to the United States to face charges related to an alleged $8 million romance scam targeting elderly Americans.

According to a report by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Abu Trica’s legal team presented documents indicating that he is 28 years old.

However, US prosecutors handling the case, after conducting investigations into his background, presented documents suggesting that he is 31 years old.

Do your due diligence before investing in real estate – GhanaWeb CEO David Antwi

The three-year discrepancy has raised questions about the accuracy of the information provided about his personal details.

The case is being prosecuted under the US Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act.

Abu Trica’s extradition follows an indictment by US authorities, who allege that he was part of a criminal network that used artificial intelligence (AI) tools to create fake identities, establish online relationships with victims, and fraudulently obtain money under false pretences.

On July 2, 2026, the High Court in Accra ordered that he be surrendered to US authorities to face allegations of his involvement in the romance fraud scheme.

Before his extradition to the US on July 9, 2026, Abu Trica’s lawyer, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, claimed he had been denied access to his client and was informed that Abu Trica had fallen ill and had been rushed to the Police Hospital.

His extradition was carried out despite a pending application seeking to halt the process. The motion was scheduled to be heard on July 10, 2026, with both parties expected to appear before the court.

According to American reporter Larry Miller, Abu Trica appeared before a US federal court in Ohio on Friday, July 10, 2026, a day after his extradition to the United States.

During his first court appearance before Judge Adams, Abu Trica is said to have pleaded not guilty to both charges.

Court documents also confirm that he is being represented by an Ohio-based attorney.

His jury trial has been scheduled to begin on September 8, 2026.

SB/MA

Ghanaians welcome GhanaWeb’s digital solution for real estate challenges