Ghana has extradited Frederick Kumi, popularly known as “Abu Trica,” to the United States to face charges over his alleged involvement in an $8 million romance fraud scheme that prosecutors say targeted elderly Americans.
The extradition follows a High Court ruling approving a request by U.S. authorities to surrender Kumi on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Kumi’s lawyers had been expected to file an application at the High Court seeking to stay the execution of the extradition order.
However, lawyers from Ghana’s Attorney-General’s Department were absent when the matter was called.
According to U.S. prosecutors, Kumi was part of a network that allegedly used artificial intelligence tools to create fake online identities and cultivate romantic relationships with victims before persuading them to send money under false pretences.
Prosecutors allege the scheme defrauded victims of about $8 million. Kumi denies the allegations and will face the charges before a U.S. court following his extradition.
