In a world where technology connects us more than ever, it is heartbreaking to see that the same tools meant to bring people together are sometimes used to exploit the vulnerable.
This week, U.S. federal authorities announced the indictment of Ghanaian national Frederick Kumi, also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng (Abu Trica), for his alleged role in an $8 million online romance scam targeting elderly Americans.
According to U.S. officials, Kumi is accused of using advanced AI-generated identities to create believable online personas. These fake identities were used to build emotional connections with unsuspecting victims many of whom were seniors looking for companionship. Once trust was established, victims were allegedly persuaded to send money, valuables, and other forms of financial support.
Romance scams are not just financial crimes; they leave deep emotional scars. Victims often deal with shame, heartbreak, and betrayal feelings that cannot simply be measured in dollars. Behind every dollar lost is a human being who believed they had found someone who cared.
Frederick Kumi (Abu Trica) was arrested in Ghana on December 11, 2025, following a collaborative investigation between the FBI and several Ghanaian law enforcement agencies. He now faces charges including wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering, offences that each carry potential sentences of up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
