The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), working with a multi-agency task force, has arrested a notorious cybercrime suspect believed to be behind a large-scale international romance scam valued at approximately $8 million.
The suspect, Frederick Kumi, also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng and popularly called “Abu Trica,” was arrested on Thursday, December 11, 2025, following months of intelligence gathering and investigations.
The operation was conducted through an international collaboration involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), the National Investigations Bureau (NIB), the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), and the Office of the Attorney-General of Ghana.
According to EOCO, Abu Trica was a key member of a criminal network that has been targeting elderly victims across the United States since 2023 through sophisticated romance scams. The syndicate allegedly used artificial intelligence tools to create fake identities and develop emotional relationships with unsuspecting victims.
Investigators say the victims—mostly elderly individuals—were lured through social media platforms and online dating sites. After gaining their trust under false pretenses, the perpetrators convinced them to send money and valuable items, resulting in millions of dollars in losses.
EOCO confirmed that Abu Trica is expected to be extradited to the United States of America, where he will face charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and forfeiture-related offenses. If convicted, he could face a prison sentence of up to 20 years.
EOCO has commended its local partner agencies and international counterparts, particularly the FBI, for their strong collaboration, which led to the successful arrest.
The Office reaffirmed its commitment to combating organised crime and cyber-enabled fraud, warning individuals involved in such criminal activities that they will be tracked down and prosecuted.
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