By: Kenneth Appiah Bani
Federal prosecutors in the United States have unsealed charges in a major romance-fraud investigation, revealing that a Ghanaian national allegedly helped siphon more than $8 million from elderly American victims through a sophisticated online scheme. The indictment, returned by a federal grand jury, outlines an operation that investigators say relied heavily on artificial intelligence tools to impersonate romantic partners and manipulate victims.
The accused, identified as Frederick Kumi, also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng and Abu Trica, is a 31-year-old resident of Swedru, Ghana. Prosecutors say Kumi was part of a coordinated criminal network that began targeting Americans in 2023, constructing fraudulent relationships across various online platforms before persuading victims to send money, valuables, and other resources. Ghanaian authorities, working with U.S. investigators, arrested Kumi on December 11, 2025.
According to court filings, members of the network crafted fake identities and strategically nurtured emotional bonds with their victims many of whom were older adults seeking companionship. Investigators say scammers frequently communicated by phone, email, and messaging applications, eventually gaining enough trust to request financial help. These requests often involved fabricated emergencies, travel complications, medical issues, or supposedly lucrative investments.
Federal prosecutors allege that once victims transferred money, Kumi worked with associates in Ohio and other parts of the United States to redirect the funds to contacts in Ghana and other destinations. The indictment includes charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money-laundering conspiracy, and a forfeiture specification tied to the proceeds of the alleged crimes. If convicted, Kumi could face up to 20 years in federal prison.
Officials noted, however, that sentencing in federal cases is determined only after the court evaluates factors such as the defendant’s criminal history, role in the scheme, and other case-specific considerations. Judges cannot exceed statutory maximums, and sentences often fall below the highest available penalty. Prosecutors also stressed that the indictment represents allegations, and Kumi remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The investigation was led by the FBI’s Cleveland Division and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. McDonough of the Northern District of Ohio. U.S. law enforcement agencies including the DEA’s Sensitive Investigation Unit, Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, and the FBI Legal Attaché in Accra played critical roles in the case.
Federal officials also commended the extensive cooperation of Ghanaian authorities, including the Office of the Attorney General, Economic Organised Crime Office (EOCO), Ghana Police Service, Cyber Security Authority, Narcotics Control Commission, and the National Intelligence Bureau. Their collaboration was key to the arrest and disruption of the alleged network.
Prosecutors said the case forms part of the broader Elder Justice Initiative, established under the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act of 2017, which aims to protect seniors from financial fraud, exploitation, and abuse. The indictment, they noted, reflects the growing challenge posed by AI-enabled scams and the increasing need for international cooperation to combat transnational cybercrime.
