Ghanaian influencer charged with scamming elderly Americans

December 12, 2025

A Ghanaian social media influencer, Frederick Kumi (known as Abu Trica), has been arrested for allegedly running a romance scam that defrauded elderly Americans of more than $8 million. According to prosecutors, Kumi used artificial intelligence technology to fabricate fake online personas and targeted victims on dating platforms and social media, building trust before requesting money under fraudulent circumstances like medical emergencies or investment schemes. The 31-year-old influencer, who displayed his wealthy lifestyle to over 100,000 Instagram followers, faces wire fraud and money laundering charges that could result in 20 years imprisonment.

Who is affected

Elderly Americans (victims who lost over $8 million)
Frederick Kumi/Abu Trica (the arrested influencer)
Kumi's co-conspirators and associates in the US and Ghana
Kumi's 100,000+ Instagram followers

What action is being taken

The US is seeking to extradite Kumi from Ghana
The case is being prosecuted under the US Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution law
US authorities are stepping up their crackdown on criminal networks operating in the US and West Africa who target elderly Americans

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing threat of AI-enabled romance scams targeting vulnerable elderly populations for significant financial losses. It demonstrates international cooperation in combating transnational cybercrime and represents part of a broader enforcement effort against West African criminal networks exploiting Americans through sophisticated fraud schemes. The case also illustrates how social media influencers can use their platforms to mask criminal activities behind displays of wealth.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC