Ghanaian Social Media Star Abu Trica Extradited to Face $8 Million Romance Fraud Charges in U.S.

A Ghanaian social media influencer known as Abu Trica, whose real name is Frederick Kumi, has been extradited to the United States to stand trial for allegedly orchestrating a romance scheme that swindled elderly Americans out of more than $8 million (about £5.9 million).

He maintains his innocence regarding all allegations.

Prosecutors allege he employed artificial‑intelligence tools to fabricate online personas, approaching victims via social media and dating platforms, gaining their confidence before coercing them into sending money.

Kumi was flown to the United States on Thursday and could receive up to 20 years in prison if convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.

His attorney, Oliver Barker‑Vormawor, informed the BBC that he had appeared in court on Thursday seeking to halt the extradition, only to discover shortly afterward that Kumi had already been transferred onto a Delta Air Lines flight to the United States.

Barker‑Vormawor claims the Ghanaian government bypassed judicial oversight by not awaiting the court’s ruling, arguing that the extradition decision raises serious constitutional concerns.

The Ghanaian government has not issued any comment on the matter.

For an extended period, Kumi ostentatiously displayed luxury goods on his Instagram account, which boasts over 100,000 followers.

Such displays prompted questions about the legitimacy of his earnings.

U.S. prosecutors assert that victims were allegedly approached through social media and online dating sites, where they were engaged in frequent, intimate exchanges designed to build trust.

These interactions reportedly progressed to requests for money or valuables under false pretenses, citing urgent medical needs, travel costs, or purported investment opportunities.

The funds or valuables were subsequently forwarded to accomplices posing as third parties. Authorities allege that Kumi distributed the proceeds to his associates both in the United States and in Ghana.

Kumi, a native of Swedru in southern Ghana, was apprehended last year during a coordinated operation between Ghanaian and U.S. authorities.

Discrepancies exist regarding Kumi’s age; his lawyer states he is 28, whereas U.S. prosecutors claim he is 31external.

The case is being pursued under the United States Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act.

In recent months, U.S. authorities have intensified their efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating across the United States and West Africa that target elderly Americans for fraud.

Last week, extradited Ghanaian fraudster Joseph Kwadwo Badu Boateng, better known as Dada Joe Remix, pleaded guilty in the United Statesexternal to employing romance and inheritance schemes to swindle American victims.

In December, a U.S. court sentenced Nigerian national Oluwaseun Adekoya, identified as a leader of a countrywide bank‑fraud and money‑laundering network, to 20 years in prison for laundering more than $2 million.

Additional reporting by Natasha Booty

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