U.S. Authorities Apprehend Ghanaian Socialite Abu Trica
- Frederick Kumi, known as Abu Trica, has been apprehended by American law enforcement pertaining to a romance fraud scheme.
- The arrest, facilitated with assistance from local Ghanaian security agencies, comes on the heels of an FBI inquiry into a criminal syndicate that exploited victims for more than $8 million.
- Abu Trica faces serious allegations, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, potentially leading to a prison sentence of up to 20 years.
A young Ghanaian socialite based in Swedru, Frederick Kumi, widely recognized as Abu Trica, has been arrested by U.S. officials.
The apprehension followed an extensive investigation spearheaded by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), with critical support from Ghanaian law enforcement.
Kumi is alleged to have been part of a nefarious network that specifically targeted elderly individuals in the United States through romance fraud schemes.
The U.S. Justice Department’s release indicated that this syndicate has been operational since 2023 and has defrauded its victims of an astonishing $8 million.
Abu Trica now contends with charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to launder money, and a forfeiture specification that collectively could result in a lengthy prison term of up to 20 years.
Notably, the Ghanaian agencies aiding the FBI in the capture of Kumi comprise the Attorney-General’s Office, the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), the Ghana Police Service, the Cyber Security Authority, the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), and the National Intelligence Bureau.
Minister Samuel Nartey George’s Response
In light of these developments, Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation Minister Samuel Nartey George applauded the Director General of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), Divine Selase Agbeti, for spearheading the operation that culminated in Kumi’s arrest.
In a social media update, the minister, fondly known as Sam Dzata George, characterized the measures implemented by the CSA leader as “another surgical strike at the heart of cyber fraud.”
George emphasized, “Our coordinated effort, executed alongside sister agencies such as the CID, NIB, and NACOC, reaffirms our commitment to bolstering Ghana’s international stature. The message is unequivocal: we will pursue cybercriminals relentlessly, irrespective of their targets.”
As the supervisory minister for the Cyber Security Authority, Samuel Nartey George oversees Divine Selase Agbeti’s initiatives.
Insights into Abu Trica’s Assets
Meanwhile, YEN.com.gh conducted an investigation into Abu Trica’s assets, encompassing his residences, vehicles, and overall financial status.
A 2024 video provided Ghanaians with glimpses of Kumi’s luxury cars, showcased within his grand estate in Swedru, located in Ghana’s Central Region.
The showcased vehicles included a Mercedes-AMG G 63, a BMW i8 Roadster, a Lamborghini Urus, all adorned in a striking white—a color evidently preferred by the young socialite—and a Tesla Cybertruck.
Source link: Yen.com.gh.
