The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has confirmed the arrest of suspected cyber-fraud kingpin Frederick Kumi, popularly referred to as Abu Trica.
He is accused of playing a central role in an $8 million romance-scam scheme targeting elderly victims in the United States.
EOCO announced the arrest in a statement on Friday, December 12, 2025. The operation took place on Thursday, December 11, after months of coordinated investigations involving the FBI, INTERPOL, the National Investigations Bureau (NIB), the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) and the Office of the Attorney General.
According to investigators, the syndicate used advanced AI tools to create fake online identities, lure victims into romantic conversations, and defraud them of money and valuables.
EOCO says Abu Trica is to be extradited to the United States to face charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money-laundering conspiracy, and a forfeiture specification.
According to EOCO, he faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
“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. EOCO wishes to congratulate its local sister agencies as well as the FBI for their collaboration,” EOCO said in the statement.
EOCO described the arrest as a major achievement in the country’s ongoing fight against transnational cybercrime.
