The arrest of Ghanaian cyber-fraud suspect Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) is being hailed as a significant breakthrough in the fight against transnational cybercrime.
Attention has now turned to the serious legal consequences facing the alleged fraud kingpin, who could be sentenced to as much as 20 years in prison in the United States if convicted.
EOCO confirmed the high-profile arrest in a statement issued on Friday, December 12, 2025, outlining the coordinated international operation that led to the capture of one of Ghana’s most notorious alleged online scammers.
The suspect is accused of masterminding an elaborate romance fraud scheme valued at approximately $8 million, which targeted elderly and vulnerable victims across the United States. Following his arrest on Thursday, December 11, extradition proceedings are expected to begin to enable him face trial in the US.
According to EOCO, Mr Kumi will be extradited to answer charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to launder money, 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, and faces up to 20 years in prison,” the statement said.
If convicted, the maximum 20-year sentence could apply to each count, underscoring the severity of penalties under US law for international financial crimes.
EOCO described the arrest as the result of months of intensive investigations involving the FBI, INTERPOL, the National Investigations Bureau (NIB), the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), and other key Ghanaian agencies.
Investigators disclosed that the syndicate relied on sophisticated artificial intelligence tools to create convincing fake online profiles. These were used to emotionally manipulate victims, drawing them into fictitious romantic relationships before defrauding them of cash, property, and other assets.
The use of AI-driven deception, EOCO noted, signals a dangerous evolution in cybercrime tactics, where technology is increasingly deployed to exploit human emotions.
EOCO commended both its local and international partners for the successful operation, stressing that sustained collaboration remains critical in tackling complex cross-border crimes.
“EOCO wishes to congratulate its local sister agencies as well as the FBI for their collaboration,” the statement added.
