Accra, Ghana (Running Africa) — Ghanaian social media influencer Frederick Kumi, widely known as Abu Trica, has been extradited to the United States to face charges connected to an alleged $8 million online romance scam that prosecutors say targeted elderly Americans using artificial intelligence-generated identities.
According to U.S. prosecutors, Kumi allegedly used artificial intelligence (AI) tools to create convincing fake online personas before building relationships with victims through social media platforms and online dating websites. Investigators allege the scheme persuaded victims to transfer millions of dollars under false pretenses.
The charges include conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. If convicted, Kumi could face a prison sentence of up to 20 years under U.S. federal law.
Kumi has denied all allegations against him.
The extradition has generated debate in Ghana after Kumi’s legal team alleged that authorities bypassed established judicial procedures during the extradition process. Ghanaian officials have rejected those claims, maintaining that all legal requirements were followed.
Known for displaying luxury cars, large amounts of cash and high-end properties across his social media accounts, Abu Trica built a significant online following before being arrested during a joint Ghana-United States law enforcement operation last year.
The prosecution is part of a broader U.S. campaign targeting transnational cybercrime networks operating across West Africa, where online romance scams, inheritance fraud and other internet-enabled financial crimes have increasingly targeted elderly and vulnerable victims.
Recent investigations involving suspects from Ghana and Nigeria reflect growing international cooperation between African governments and global law enforcement agencies to combat cross-border cybercrime, financial fraud and the misuse of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
The case is expected to remain closely watched as authorities continue efforts to dismantle international fraud syndicates and strengthen collaboration against increasingly sophisticated online financial crimes.
