FBI Indicts Popular Ghanaian Snapchat User ‘Abu Trica’ in Multi-Million Dollar Elderly Romance Scam
The United States Department of Justice has indicted Ghanaian national Frederick Kumi, popularly known on Snapchat as “Abu Trica”, for allegedly orchestrating a sophisticated romance fraud scheme that defrauded elderly Americans of more than $8 million.
Damian Owusu 
The United States Department of Justice has indicted Ghanaian national Frederick Kumi, popularly known on Snapchat as “Abu Trica”, for allegedly orchestrating a sophisticated romance fraud scheme that defrauded elderly Americans of more than $8 million.
Kumi, also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng, 31, from Swedru, Ghana, was arrested on December 11, 2025, in Ghana following a joint operation between Ghanaian and U.S. law enforcement agencies. He has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and a forfeiture specification. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.
Since 2023, Kumi and his associates allegedly targeted elderly Americans through romance scams. Using Artificial Intelligence tools, they created convincing fake identities on social media and dating platforms. Victims were engaged in frequent, affectionate conversations to build trust.
Once emotionally committed, victims were deceived into sending money under false pretenses, including:
Fabricated medical emergencies
Supposed travel expenses
Fake investment opportunities
Funds were then coordinated through associates in Ohio and redistributed to co-conspirators in Ghana and other countries.
The investigation was led by the FBI’s Cleveland Division and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian McDonough. It involved extensive cooperation between:
Ghana’s Attorney General’s Office
Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO)
Ghana Police Service
Cyber Security Authority
Narcotics Control Commission
National Intelligence Bureau
U.S. DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, and DOJ’s Office of International Affairs.
The case forms part of the Elder Justice Initiative under the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act of 2017, which targets scams and financial exploitation directed at older Americans. U.S. authorities stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt, and Kumi is entitled to a fair trial.
