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US Department of Justice details charges against Frederick Kumi following extradition from Ghana
via GhanaWeb4 min read
The US Department of Justice has released a statement regarding the extradition of Frederick Kumi, also known as Abu Trica, from Ghana. Kumi faces charges related to an alleged $8 million romance scam targeting over 80 elderly American victims. The statement outlines the charges, potential prison sentence, and seized assets, which include a mansion, a Lamborghini, a Tesla Cybertruck, a Mercedes Benz, and a BMW. Kumi, 31, was arrested in Ghana on December 11, 2025, and extradited to the United States on July 9. Court documents allege that from April 2023 to November 2025, Kumi and co-defendant Daniel Yussif led a criminal network that used online dating sites and social media to target victims, often widows or divorcees. Kumi allegedly employed AI-driven video platforms and leveraged Ghanaian associates to maintain false identities. Victims reportedly sent money via wire transfer, with portions laundered through money mules and contacts in the Ghanaian immigrant community in the U.S. Kumi is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy, facing up to 20 years imprisonment if convicted. The investigation was conducted by the FBI Cleveland Division, with cooperation from several Ghanaian and U.S. agencies.
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Abdul-Wahab Hanan Aludiba, former Chief Executive Officer of the National Food Buffer Stock Company NAFCO, has accused the Bureau of National Investigations BNI and the Economic and Organised Crime Office EOCO of disregarding a High Court order. Aludiba states the High Court in Accra permitted him to travel abroad for medical treatment. He alleges that despite this order, he was arrested at Accra International Airport, preventing him from boarding his flight. He further claims EOCO and the Attorney General's Office unlawfully retained approximately 拢7,000, two mobile phones, and his passport after his release. Aludiba asserts the 拢7,000 was borrowed for his travel and medical treatment in the United Kingdom. He also alleges that officials accessed information on his mobile phones without judicial authorization while the devices were in BNI and EOCO custody on July 6 and July 7, 2026. Aludiba is asking the High Court to compel the Attorney General, EOCO, and BNI to comply with its June 29, 2026 order by releasing his passport, the 拢7,000, and the two mobile phones. He describes his arrest as unlawful and contemptuous, stating the Attorney General's application to revoke his travel permission is based on false allegations. The Attorney General is seeking to revoke the court's permission, alleging Aludiba attempted to use fraudulent means to withdraw funds from a frozen Republic Bank account, an allegation Aludiba denies.
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Must ReadGhana's High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, announced that the upcoming evacuation of nearly 900 Ghanaians from South Africa will be the final phase of the government's mass repatriation exercise. After this, assistance will be provided on a case-by-case basis through consular services. The evacuation is scheduled to begin on July 25, 2026, following the registration and screening of close to 900 Ghanaian nationals who voluntarily requested to return home. This exercise follows previous government-led evacuations of Ghanaians affected by xenophobic attacks in South Africa. The repatriation is funded by the Government of Ghana through the Office of the President and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Quashie stated that South Africa's Department of Home Affairs and Border Management Authorities approved July 25 as the start date, with daily flights until all registered persons return to Ghana. Only individuals already registered and screened will be eligible. Those selected for each flight will be notified in advance and transported from various provinces to designated departure points. Quashie emphasized that this operation marks the end of the large-scale evacuation program, after which support will be on a case-by-case basis through consular services. He also advised registered beneficiaries not to travel to the Ghana High Commission with luggage without prior notification, urging adherence to established procedures.