EOCO identifies Fred ‘Abu Trica’ as one of Ghana’s notorious scammers

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has described Frederick ‘Abu Trica’ Kumi, also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng, as “one of Ghana’s notorious scammers” following his arrest on Thursday, December 11, 2025.

EOCO said the arrest was the result of a carefully coordinated operation that involved both local and international agencies. In a statement released on Friday, December 12, the office emphasized that the apprehension of Abu Trica was made possible through extensive collaboration with partner organizations, marking a significant achievement in the fight against organized cybercrime.

According to EOCO, Abu Trica was a member of a transnational criminal network that has, since 2023, targeted elderly victims in the United States through romance scams. The network allegedly used artificial intelligence software to create fake identities and establish close personal relationships with victims. By gaining their trust, the perpetrators were able to extract money and valuables, often through social media and online dating platforms.

“The criminal network used Artificial Intelligence software to assume false identities and form close personal relationships with victims. These victims were often elderly and engaged in romantic relationships with the perpetrators. The network gained victims’ trust to obtain money and valuables, often targeting individuals through social media and online dating platforms under false pretences,” EOCO said in its statement.

The arrest involved collaboration with a range of domestic and international agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), the National Investigations Bureau (NIB), the Cyber-Security Authority (CSA), and the Office of the Attorney General. EOCO noted that this operation followed several months of intelligence gathering, monitoring of online activity, and investigative work.

EOCO further indicated that Abu Trica will be extradited to the United States to face criminal charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and forfeiture specification. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison.

The office commended its local partners and the FBI for their role in the arrest, describing the operation as a successful example of inter-agency and international cooperation. EOCO emphasized that the arrest serves as a warning to other perpetrators involved in similar criminal activities, highlighting the growing effectiveness of coordinated efforts in combating cybercrime.