Ghanaian man arrested over alleged $8m AI-driven romance scam

A 31-year-old Ghanaian man, Frederick Kumi, has been arrested in Ghana for his alleged role in a sophisticated $8 million romance fraud scheme that targeted elderly victims across the United States.

Kumi, also identified in U.S. court documents by his aliases Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng and Abu Trica, was picked up on December 11, 2025, following a coordinated investigation between U.S. and Ghanaian authorities. His arrest follows the unsealing of an indictment in a U.S. federal court outlining his suspected involvement in a criminal network that used Artificial Intelligence (AI) to generate fake online identities.

According to U.S. prosecutors, the syndicate operated from 2023, using AI tools to impersonate romantic partners on social media and dating platforms. Investigators say their targets were mostly elderly individuals, who were manipulated through consistent phone calls, emails and text conversations designed to build emotional trust.

The indictment alleges that once trust was established, the victims were deceived into sending money or valuables under fabricated stories such as emergency medical needs, travel issues, or investment opportunities. The proceeds were then allegedly moved to accomplices in Ghana and other jurisdictions.

Kumi faces multiple charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy, as well as a forfeiture specification related to the funds involved. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison.

U.S. authorities stressed that the charges remain allegations. “An indictment is a formal accusation and not evidence of guilt,” prosecutors emphasised, adding that Kumi is entitled to a fair trial where the government must prove the case beyond reasonable doubt.

The investigation was led by the FBI Cleveland Division and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. McDonough for the Northern District of Ohio. The case also benefitted from extensive support from multiple Ghanaian institutions, including the Attorney General’s Office, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Cyber Security Authority, the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) and the National Intelligence Bureau.

The prosecution forms part of the United States’ Elder Justice Initiative, an enforcement programme created under the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act of 2017 to combat financial exploitation and targeted scams against senior citizens.

Authorities say investigations are still ongoing to identify additional co-conspirators and trace the whereabouts of the stolen funds.