The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has confirmed the arrest of one of Ghana’s most notorious cyber-fraud suspects, Frederick Kumi, also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng and popularly called Abu Trica, for his alleged role in an $8 million romance-scam network targeting elderly victims in the United States.

In a statement issued on Friday, December 12, 2025, EOCO announced that the arrest was carried out on Thursday, December 11, following a months-long international investigation involving the FBI, INTERPOL, the National Investigations Bureau (NIB), the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), and Ghana’s Office of the Attorney General.

According to EOCO, the syndicate used sophisticated Artificial Intelligence software to assume false identities, establish romantic relationships with victims, many of whom were elderly, and manipulate them into sending money and valuables under false pretenses.

EOCO disclosed that Abu Trica is expected to be extradited to the United States to face multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money-laundering conspiracy, and a forfeiture specification.

If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison. EOCO commended its partner agencies, local and international, for their collaboration in bringing the suspect into custody, describing the arrest as a major breakthrough in the fight against cross-border cybercrime.

Read the full statement below