A federal grand jury in the United States has indicted a 31-year-old Ghanaian national, Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, for allegedly helping orchestrate an $8 million romance-fraud scheme that targeted elderly victims across the country.

The indictment, recently unsealed and shared on the Department of Justice website, alleges that Abu Trica was part of a criminal network that used advanced artificial intelligence tools to impersonate fake online lovers, build emotional connections with vulnerable seniors and persuade them to send money under false pretences since 2023.

"Victims were often elderly and engaged in romantic but physically distant relationships with perpetrators.

The perpetrators built trust through frequent, intimate conversations by phone, email and messaging platforms.

They then requested money or valuables under false pretenses, such as urgent medical needs, travel expenses or investment opportunities.

"Relying on these misrepresentations, victims were persuaded to send funds or valuables, which were then directed to co-conspirators posing as third parties," the report said.

According to the report, Abu Trica was arrested in Ghana on December 11, 2025, following a joint operation between US and Ghanaian authorities.

He is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money-laundering conspiracy and a forfeiture specification—offenses that carry a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison.

US prosecutors emphasised that the indictment is only an allegation and Kumi is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

His final sentence, if convicted, will depend on factors such as his criminal history, role in the scheme, and details of the offense.

ID/AM