A federal grand jury in Cleveland has indicted Frederick Kumi, a 31-year-old Ghanaian national, on charges related to romance scams that allegedly defrauded elderly victims in the United States of more than $8 million. The indictment, which was recently unsealed, states that Kumi—also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng and Abu Trica—was part of a criminal network operating since 2023. He was arrested in Ghana on December 11, 2025.
According to the indictment, members of the scheme used artificial intelligence software to create false identities and establish close personal relationships with their targets. These relationships were typically maintained through social media and online dating platforms. The perpetrators reportedly gained victims’ trust through frequent communication by phone, email, and messaging services before requesting money or valuables under various false pretenses such as urgent medical needs or investment opportunities.
After obtaining funds from victims, Kumi is alleged to have worked with co-conspirators to move the money from Ohio and other parts of the United States to associates in Ghana and elsewhere.
Kumi faces charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison. Sentencing will be determined by the court based on several factors specific to this case, including any prior criminal record and his role in the offense. “An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt,” according to officials.
The investigation was led by the FBI Cleveland Division and will be prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. McDonough for the Northern District of Ohio. Multiple agencies assisted with the case, including law enforcement authorities from Ghana and several U.S. federal agencies.
This prosecution follows efforts under the Elder Justice Initiative Program established by the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act of 2017 (EAPPA), which aims to combat elder abuse and financial fraud targeting older Americans.
Individuals can report suspected elder financial abuse at tips.fbi.gov/home or justice.gov/elderjustice/financial-exploitation.
