The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has rejected claims that it had prior contact with a suspect popularly known as Abu Trica before his arrest in a high-profile cybercrime case.

In a statement dated December 16, 2025, EOCO said it had taken note of “speculations in sections of the media” suggesting that the Office engaged the suspect weeks before his arrest. The agency described the claims as false and misleading.

“The Office did not on any occasion contact ‘Abu Trica’ before the arrest as is being speculated,” the statement signed by the EOCO's Head of Public Affairs said.

The clarification follows EOCO’s earlier announcement on December 12, 2025, of the collaborative arrest of Frederick Kumi, also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng, alias Abu Trica.

He is alleged to be a notorious cybercriminal involved in an $8 million romance scam.

EOCO stressed that the update was necessary to protect the integrity of its operations and to correct the public record amid growing commentary surrounding the arrest.

Reaffirming its mandate, the Office said it remains committed to combating economic and organised crime and urged the public to continue reporting such offences.