Rebecca C. Lutzko United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio
A federal grand jury in Cleveland has indicted a Ghanaian national, Frederick Kumi, also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng and Abu Trica, on charges of defrauding elderly victims out of more than $8 million through romance scams. The indictment was unsealed following Kumi’s arrest in Ghana on December 11, 2025.
The indictment alleges that Kumi, 31, from Swedru, Ghana, was part of a criminal network operating since 2023. According to court documents, the network targeted elderly individuals across the United States using artificial intelligence software to create false identities and establish personal relationships with victims online. The perpetrators are accused of gaining the trust of their victims through regular communication by phone, email, and messaging platforms before requesting money or valuables under false pretenses such as medical emergencies or investment opportunities.
After receiving funds from victims who believed they were helping someone in need, the network allegedly moved the money through co-conspirators based in Ohio and other parts of the U.S., eventually transferring it to associates in Ghana and other locations.
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 depend on various factors specific to the case; sentences will not exceed statutory maximums and are often less than the maximum allowed by law.
Authorities emphasize that an indictment is only a charge and 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 prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. McDonough for the Northern District of Ohio. The case involved cooperation among several agencies including law enforcement organizations from both Ghana and the United States.
This prosecution follows efforts under the Elder Justice Initiative Program stemming from the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act of 2017 (EAPPA), which aims to coordinate federal actions against elder abuse and financial exploitation.
Reports of suspected elder financial abuse can be submitted at tips.fbi.gov/home or justice.gov/elderjustice/financial-exploitation.
