Maximum Overkill 2,588 Posted 8 hours ago Ghanaian influencer charged over $8m scam targeting elderly Americans A popular Ghanaian social media influencer known as Abu Trica, whose real name is Frederick Kumi, has been arrested over allegations he orchestrated a romance scam that defrauded elderly Americans of over $8m (£5.9m). Prosecutors said he used AI tools to create fake online identities, targeting victims through social media and dating sites, earning their trust then extorting their money. Kumi faces charges in the US of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and a money laundering conspiracy and faces up to 20 years in prison if found guilty. The 31-year-old was arrested in Ghana following a joint operation between the two countries and the US will now seek to extradite him. He has not yet commented on the allegations. Kumi, who is also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng, flaunted luxury items online to his more than 100,000 Instagram followers. This raised suspicions about the sources of his income. ''The perpetrators built trust through frequent, intimate conversations by phone, email, and messaging platforms" with victims, said prosecutors. "They then requested money or valuables under false pretences, such as urgent medical needs, travel expenses, or investment opportunities.'' The monies, or valuables, were then directed to co-conspirators posing as third parties. Kumi allegedly distributed the money to his associates in US and in Ghana. The case is being prosecuted under the US Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution law. Ghana's Abu Trica charged with scamming elderly Americans - BBC News https://share.google/Lk55bpomyCNiVNsyd Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
