EOCO arrests alleged cybercrime kingpin “Abu Trica”

Accra, Dec. 12,  – The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), in collaboration with a multi-agency law enforcement task force, has arrested a suspected cybercrime kingpin, Frederick Kumi, also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng, popularly referred to as “Abu Trica.”

The suspect, described by authorities as one of Ghana’s most notorious cybercriminals, was arrested on December 11, 2025, following a coordinated operation involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), INTERPOL, the National Investigations Bureau (NIB), the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) and the Office of the Attorney-General.

A statement issued by EOCO said the arrest followed months of intelligence-led investigations into a transnational cybercrime syndicate that had been operating since 2023.

Preliminary findings indicated that “Abu Trica” played a key role in a sophisticated criminal network that targeted elderly victims in the United States through romance-related online scams.

According to EOCO, the syndicate employed advanced Artificial Intelligence tools to generate fake identities, build online relationships with unsuspecting victims and exploit their emotional vulnerability for financial gain.

The suspects allegedly operated mainly on social media and online dating platforms, where they used fabricated profiles to gain the trust of victims and deceive them into sending money and valuables under false pretences.

Investigators estimate that the scheme resulted in financial losses of more than eight million United States dollars.

EOCO said the suspect was expected to be extradited to the United States to face charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering and forfeiture-related offences.

If convicted, he could face a prison sentence of up to 20 years.

EOCO commended its local and international partner agencies for their collaboration, describing the operation as a successful example of cross-border cooperation in combating organised cybercrime.

GHBUSS