A Ghanaian national, Frederick Kumi, also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng and Abu Trica, has been extradited to the United States to face charges over an alleged multimillion-dollar romance fraud and money laundering scheme targeting elderly Americans.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio, Kumi was arrested in Ghana on December 11, 2025, and extradited to the United States on July 9, 2026.
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Prosecutors allege that between April 2023 and November 2025, Kumi and co-defendant Daniel Yussif, also known as Denteni and Slab, led a criminal network that used online dating sites and social media to target elderly victims, particularly widows and divorcees.
Court documents claim Kumi used artificial intelligence-driven video platforms and fictitious female identities to deceive victims into believing they were in genuine relationships. Victims were allegedly persuaded to send money after being told false stories involving gold and diamond inheritances.
Authorities say the funds were transferred through bank accounts controlled by members of the network before being laundered through money mules, fake businesses and accounts in Ghana and the United States.
Investigators also allege that Kumi used proceeds from the scheme to acquire luxury assets, including a mansion in Ghana, a Lamborghini, a Tesla Cybertruck, a Mercedes-Benz and a BMW, all of which have been seized.
Kumi has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.
The investigation was led by the FBI Cleveland Division with support from several Ghanaian agencies, including the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the Ghana Police Service, the Cyber Security Authority, the Narcotics Control Commission and the National Intelligence Bureau.
U.S. prosecutors noted that the indictment contains allegations only, and Kumi is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
