The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), working with a multi-agency taskforce, has arrested one of Ghana’s most notorious cyberfraud suspects, Frederick Kumi, also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng and popularly called “Abu Trica.” The suspect was picked up on Thursday, 11 December 2025, after a coordinated intelligence-led operation.
The high-profile arrest followed several months of joint investigations involving EOCO, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), INTERPOL, the National Investigations Bureau (NIB), the Cyber-Security Authority (CSA), and the Office of the Attorney General.
According to EOCO, “Abu Trica” was a key member of a criminal syndicate responsible for romance scams targeting elderly victims in the United States since 2023, generating losses estimated at $8 million.
The syndicate allegedly used Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to create fake identities, build emotional connections with victims, and gain their trust. The scammers posed as romantic partners through social media and online dating platforms, manipulating victims into sending money and other valuables.
“Abu Trica” is expected to be extradited to the United States to face charges including:
- Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
- Money laundering conspiracy
- Forfeiture-related offences
If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.
EOCO has congratulated its partner agencies, both local and international, for their collaboration in executing the successful operation.
By: paqmediagh/Peter Quao Adattor
