Ghanaian social media influencer Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, has been extradited to the United States to face trial over his alleged role in a sophisticated romance scam that prosecutors say defrauded elderly Americans of more than US$8 million (approximately Sh 1 billion).
The high-profile social media influencer, who built a lavish online persona and amassed more than 100,000 Instagram followers, was flown to the US on Thursday after Ghanaian authorities approved his extradition following months of legal battles.
According to US prosecutors, Kumi allegedly participated in an international criminal network that used artificial intelligence (AI) and fake online identities to lure vulnerable victims into fraudulent romantic relationships.
Investigators claim the syndicate targeted elderly Americans through social media platforms and online dating websites, spending weeks or even months building trust before convincing victims to send money under false pretences.
The alleged excuses ranged from medical emergencies and travel expenses to investment opportunities and financial hardships.
Authorities further allege that the money was funneled through co-conspirators in both Ghana and the United States before being laundered to conceal its origin.
If convicted on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, Abu Trica could face up to 20 years in prison. He has denied all allegations against him.
Lengthy legal battle
The extradition marks the latest chapter in a legal battle that has gripped Ghana for months.
Kumi had been in custody since December 2025 after being arrested in a joint operation involving Ghanaian authorities and US investigators.
Although he was later granted bail, Ghana’s High Court eventually dismissed his challenge against extradition and cleared the way for his transfer to the United States.
His lawyer, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, had attempted to block the extradition through an emergency application, arguing that further appeals should be heard before his client was surrendered to US authorities.
After learning of the court’s earlier ruling, Barker-Vormawor posted on Facebook:
“I am out of Ghana for work. I just heard that the case of Abu Trica has been fast tracked and a judge has just ordered his extradition. Hmmm. FBI 1 – Abu 1. I guess this issue goes to the Supreme Court.”
However, reports later revealed that Kumi had already been placed on a flight to the United States before the legal challenge could halt the transfer.
AI-powered romance scams on the rise
Prosecutors say the case highlights the growing use of artificial intelligence in online fraud.
Instead of creating fake profiles manually, scammers are increasingly using AI-generated photos, realistic conversations and automated messaging tools to make fraudulent identities appear genuine.
The technology enables criminals to communicate with multiple victims simultaneously while maintaining convincing online relationships.
According to INTERPOL, cybercriminals across Africa have increasingly embraced AI tools to produce fake identities, manipulate images and craft persuasive conversations, making romance scams more sophisticated and difficult to detect.
Victims often suffer not only devastating financial losses but also severe emotional trauma after discovering that the romantic relationships they believed were genuine were entirely fabricated.
Part of a wider crackdown
Abu Trica’s extradition comes as US authorities intensify efforts to dismantle transnational fraud syndicates targeting elderly Americans.
American investigators have increasingly partnered with African law enforcement agencies to pursue suspects involved in romance scams, business email compromise schemes and online financial fraud.
The prosecution is being pursued under US laws designed to protect elderly citizens from financial exploitation, reflecting growing concern over the billions of dollars lost annually to online romance scams.
The case is expected to proceed before a US federal court, where prosecutors will seek to prove that Abu Trica knowingly participated in the alleged international fraud network.
As legal proceedings begin in the United States, the once-celebrated influencer now faces the possibility of spending decades behind bars if convicted.
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