By Zobia Zulfqar 
A Ghanaian social media influencer, Frederick Kumi, widely known as Abu Trica, has been extradited to the United States to face charges over an alleged online romance scam that prosecutors say defrauded elderly Americans of more than $8 million.
The influencer, who built a large following by posting photos and videos of luxury cars, expensive homes and large amounts of cash on social media, was flown from Ghana to the United States on Thursday after authorities approved his extradition.
US prosecutors accuse Kumi of taking part in a criminal network that used fake online identities to trick victims into sending money. They allege that many of the victims were elderly Americans who believed they were communicating with people they trusted through social media and online dating platforms.
According to the charges, the suspects used artificial intelligence tools and other digital technology to create fake profiles that appeared genuine. These profiles were used to start conversations with victims and build emotional relationships over time.
Once trust had been established, prosecutors say the victims were persuaded to send money for fake emergencies, medical expenses, travel costs or investment opportunities. The money was then allegedly transferred to other members of the group in both Ghana and the United States.
US authorities claim Kumi helped distribute some of the funds received from the victims to his alleged accomplices.
If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.
Kumi has denied all the allegations against him.
His lawyer, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has questioned the way the extradition was carried out. According to him, he went to court on Thursday morning in an attempt to stop the extradition. However, he later discovered that his client had already been placed on a Delta Airlines flight to the United States.
The lawyer argued that the government failed to wait for the court’s decision before carrying out the extradition. He said the action raises serious constitutional concerns and suggested that proper judicial oversight was not followed.
Ghana’s government has rejected those claims.
Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, said all legal procedures were followed before Kumi was handed over to US authorities.
According to the Attorney General, the court had already dismissed an earlier habeas corpus application filed on Kumi’s behalf. After that ruling, he said the Ministry of the Interior issued the required surrender warrant, which allowed the extradition to proceed legally.
The government insists that the extradition complied with Ghana’s laws and international agreements.
Kumi, who comes from Swedru in Ghana’s Central Region, became well known on social media because of his lavish lifestyle. He regularly posted pictures of expensive vehicles, luxury properties and large sums of money, attracting more than 100,000 followers on Instagram.
His online lifestyle drew public attention and raised questions about the source of his wealth long before his arrest.
He was arrested in Ghana last year during a joint operation involving Ghanaian and US law enforcement agencies. Since then, legal proceedings have been taking place over whether he should be extradited to face trial in the United States.
The case has also highlighted the growing use of technology in online financial crimes.
According to US prosecutors, the alleged scam relied heavily on fake digital identities that were designed to convince victims they were communicating with real people looking for friendship or romantic relationships.
Investigators say romance scams often target older people because they may be more vulnerable to emotional manipulation. Criminals typically spend weeks or even months building trust before asking for money.
Law enforcement agencies around the world have repeatedly warned people to be cautious when communicating with strangers online, especially if conversations quickly turn to requests for financial assistance.
Authorities advise internet users to verify the identity of people they meet online and never send money to someone they have not met in person.
The case also reflects increasing cooperation between Ghana and the United States in tackling cybercrime and financial fraud. Both countries have worked together on several investigations involving online scams, money laundering and organised criminal networks.
Kumi is expected to appear before a US federal court, where prosecutors will present their case. He will have the opportunity to defend himself against the charges as the legal process moves forward.
The outcome of the trial could become one of the highest-profile cyber fraud cases involving a Ghanaian social media personality and may influence future cooperation between Ghanaian and international law enforcement agencies in fighting online financial crime.