A Ghanaian social media influencer known for showcasing a luxury lifestyle has been extradited to the United States over allegations that he used fake online identities and AI-generated profiles to scam elderly Americans out of more than $8 million. He denies all the charges.
Ghanaian social media influencer Frederick Kumi, widely known online as Abu Trica, has been extradited to the United States to face trial over allegations that he masterminded an international romance scam that targeted elderly Americans and stole more than $8 million (£5.9 million).
US prosecutors accuse Kumi of using artificial intelligence tools to create fake online identities before approaching victims through dating websites and social media platforms. Authorities say he built emotional relationships with victims before persuading them to send money through a series of fraudulent claims.
Kumi has denied all the charges.
If convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, he could face up to 20 years in prison.
The extradition has also sparked legal controversy in Ghana.
Kumi’s lawyer, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, said he arrived at court on Thursday seeking an order to stop the extradition, only to discover that his client had already been flown to the United States on a Delta Air Lines flight.
“The decision raises profound constitutional questions,” Barker-Vormawor told the BBC, accusing Ghanaian authorities of bypassing judicial oversight by carrying out the extradition before the court could rule on the matter.
The Ghanaian government has not yet commented on the allegations.
Before his arrest, Kumi had built a large online following, regularly posting photographs and videos displaying expensive cars, designer clothing and other luxury items to more than 100,000 Instagram followers.
His lavish lifestyle had attracted public attention and raised questions about the source of his wealth.
According to US prosecutors, the alleged fraud operation targeted elderly victims through online dating platforms and social media.
Investigators say victims were drawn into lengthy conversations designed to build trust before being asked to send money for supposed emergencies.
Authorities allege the requests often involved fabricated medical bills, travel expenses or investment opportunities.
Instead of receiving the promised returns or assistance, prosecutors say victims’ money and valuables were diverted to members of the criminal network posing as third parties.
Investigators allege Kumi then distributed the proceeds among associates based in both Ghana and the United States.
Kumi, who comes from the town of Swedru in southern Ghana, was arrested last year during a joint operation involving Ghanaian and US law enforcement agencies.
There is also disagreement over his age.
His lawyer says he is 28, while US court documents identify him as 31.
The case is being prosecuted under the United States’ Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act, which strengthens penalties for crimes targeting older people.
The prosecution comes as US authorities increase efforts to dismantle fraud networks operating across West Africa and the United States.
Last week, another Ghanaian suspect, Joseph Kwadwo Badu Boateng, popularly known as Dada Joe Remix, pleaded guilty in a US court to running romance and inheritance scams that defrauded American victims.
In December, Nigerian national Oluwaseun Adekoya was sentenced to 20 years in prison after being convicted of leading a nationwide bank fraud and money laundering scheme involving more than $2 million.
As Kumi prepares to face trial in the United States, prosecutors will seek to prove he played a central role in one of the largest alleged romance scams involving elderly American victims in recent years, while his legal team continues to challenge the circumstances surrounding his extradition.
