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A 31-year-old Ghanaian, Frederick Kumi, also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng and Abu Trica, has been extradited from Ghana to the United States to face charges over an alleged romance fraud scheme that reportedly defrauded more than 80 elderly victims of over $8 million.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio, Kumi, a native of Swedru, Ghana, and his alleged accomplice, Daniel Yussif, also known as Denteni and Slab, were part of a criminal network that targeted elderly Americans through online romance scams between 2023 and 2025.
Court documents allege that the group used dating websites and social media platforms to identify victims, many of whom were widows or divorcees. Kumi is accused of using artificial intelligence-powered video tools to create fake female identities and build relationships with victims.
Investigators say the victims were deceived through false claims involving romantic relationships, gold, and diamond inheritances, before being persuaded to send money through wire transfers to accounts controlled by members of the group.
The U.S. authorities further allege that millions of dollars obtained from the schemes were laundered through fake businesses and bank accounts involving money mules in Ghana and members of the Ghanaian community in the United States.
Kumi allegedly used proceeds from the fraud to purchase luxury assets, including a mansion in Ghana, a Lamborghini, a Tesla Cybertruck, a Mercedes-Benz, and a BMW, which were seized by international law enforcement partners.
He has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy, and could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
However, the U.S. Attorney’s Office stressed that an indictment is only an allegation and does not prove guilt. The accused remain entitled to a fair trial, where prosecutors must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI Cleveland Division and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian M. McDonough and Elliot Morrison.
The U.S. authorities acknowledged the support of several Ghanaian institutions, including the Attorney General’s Office, Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), Ghana Police Service, Cyber Security Authority, and other international agencies involved in the arrest and extradition process.
The case is being handled under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative, which focuses on combating fraud, abuse, and financial crimes targeting older adults.
Story by Efua Nessa