The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) says notorious cybercrime suspect Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, deployed artificial intelligence tools to create false identities and emotionally manipulate elderly American victims in an $8 million international romance scam.

In a news release dated December 12, 2025, EOCO said the arrest followed months of intelligence-led investigations carried out with local and international law enforcement agencies.

“The operation to arrest ‘Abu Trica’ follows several months of intelligence and investigations,” EOCO stated.

According to the Office, the suspect was part of a criminal network that targeted elderly victims across the United States from 2023, using AI-powered software to impersonate individuals online and form close personal relationships.

“The criminal network used Artificial Intelligence software to assume false identities and form close personal relationships with victims,” EOCO said.

Investigators noted that the victims, many of whom were elderly, were lured into romantic relationships before being defrauded of large sums of money and valuables.

“These victims were often elderly and engaged in romantic relationships with the perpetrators,” the statement added.

EOCO explained that the syndicate relied heavily on social media and online dating platforms, using AI-generated profiles and communications to gain trust and exploit emotional vulnerability.

“The network gained victims’ trust to obtain money and valuables, often targeting individuals through social media and online dating platforms under false pretenses,” EOCO noted.

The arrest was carried out by EOCO in collaboration with the United States Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), the National Investigations Bureau (NIB), INTERPOL, the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), and the Office of the Attorney-General.

EOCO confirmed that Abu Trica will be extradited to the United States to face criminal charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and a forfeiture specification.

“‘Abu Trica’ will subsequently be extradited to the United States of America to face criminal charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and a forfeiture specification,” EOCO said, adding that the offences attract a possible prison sentence of up to 20 years.

EOCO also commended its partner agencies for the successful operation, stating that it “wishes to congratulate its local sister agencies as well as the FBI for their collaboration.”