A Ghanaian social media influencer, Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, has been extradited to the United States to face trial over allegations that he masterminded a romance scam that defrauded elderly Americans of more than $8 million.

 

Kumi, who denies all the charges against him, was extradited on Thursday and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.

 

According to U.S. prosecutors, Kumi allegedly used artificial intelligence (AI) tools to create fake online identities and targeted victims through social media and online dating platforms. Investigators said he built trust with elderly victims before persuading them to send money under false pretences, including claims of urgent medical needs, travel expenses and investment opportunities.

 

The funds and valuables were allegedly transferred to co-conspirators posing as third parties, after which Kumi reportedly distributed the proceeds among associates in the United States and Ghana.

 

Kumi's lawyer, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, told the BBC he had gone to court on Thursday to stop the extradition but later discovered that his client had already been flown to the United States aboard a Delta Air Lines flight.

 

The lawyer accused the Ghanaian government of bypassing judicial oversight by extraditing Kumi before the court could rule on the matter, describing the move as one that raises "profound constitutional questions." The Ghanaian government has not publicly responded to the allegation.

 

Kumi, a native of Swedru in southern Ghana, was arrested last year during a joint operation involving Ghanaian and U.S. authorities.

 

Known for displaying luxury vehicles, cash and expensive properties on social media, Kumi had amassed more than 100,000 followers on Instagram, with his lavish lifestyle attracting public scrutiny over the source of his wealth.

 

The case is being prosecuted under the United States Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act as American authorities intensify efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating in the U.S. and West Africa that target elderly citizens through online fraud schemes.