The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) says it has seized a mansion and several luxury vehicles belonging to Ghanaian socialite Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, following his extradition to the United States over his alleged role in an $8m romance scam that reportedly targeted about 80 victims.
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According to the DOJ, Kumi allegedly used proceeds from the suspected fraud to acquire luxury assets in Ghana. The disclosure forms part of a wider case involving an alleged international criminal network accused of defrauding elderly Americans through online romance scams. Readers can also catch up on Abu Trica extradited to US over alleged $8m romance scam for background on the case.
What assets did US authorities seize?
In a statement issued on July 14, 2026, the DOJ said international law enforcement partners had seized several high-value assets allegedly linked to Kumi.
The seized assets include:
- A mansion in Ghana
- A Lamborghini
- A Tesla Cybertruck
- A Mercedes-Benz
- A BMW
- Other valuable items that were not specified
“Kumi allegedly used his ill-gotten gains to acquire luxury vehicles and other items of value. Assets seized by international law enforcement partners included a mansion in Ghana, a Lamborghini, Tesla Cybertruck, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW,” part of the statement said.
US prosecutors say the assets are subject to forfeiture after Kumi was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Asset forfeiture allows authorities to seek ownership of property they allege was obtained through criminal proceeds if a court ultimately orders the assets to be forfeited following the legal process.
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If convicted, Kumi could face a maximum prison sentence of up to 20 years on each charge, although any sentence would ultimately be determined by the court.
How prosecutors say the alleged romance scam operated
Court documents allege that Kumi and his co-defendant, Daniel Yussif, also known as Denteni or Slab, 31, of Accra, were members of a criminal organisation that targeted elderly victims across the United States beginning in 2023.
Authorities say Kumi was arrested in Ghana on December 11, 2025, before being extradited to the United States on July 9, 2026.
Investigators allege that the group used online dating platforms and social media to identify vulnerable victims, particularly widows and divorcees, before persuading them to send money under false pretences.
Many of the alleged victims were elderly Americans whom investigators say were targeted because they were considered financially and emotionally vulnerable.
According to prosecutors, the suspects also used AI-powered video platforms to communicate with victims while posing under fake identities, including pretending to be women.
Other alleged members of the network reportedly relied on associates in Ghana to maintain contact with victims through encrypted messaging applications and telephone calls to reinforce the false identities.
The DOJ further alleges that victims were deceived with fabricated stories about gold or diamond inheritances before wiring money into financial accounts controlled by members of the conspiracy.
Authorities also claim millions of dollars were laundered through money mules, shell businesses and bank accounts linked to co-conspirators in Ghana and members of the Ghanaian immigrant community in the United States.
What happens next?
The charges against Kumi and Yussif remain allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The DOJ said that, if convicted, sentencing would depend on several factors, including each defendant’s criminal history, role in the alleged offences and other considerations under US federal sentencing guidelines.
Although the offences carry maximum penalties of up to 20 years’ imprisonment, prosecutors noted that courts often impose sentences below the statutory maximum depending on the circumstances of each case.
Related reads
- Abu Trica extradited to US over alleged $8m romance scam
- How Ghana Went From a Fraud Target to an FBI Crime-Fighting Partner
- 15 Ghana-linked individuals named in US fraud cases
- How to Spot and Protect Yourself From Investment Scams: 7 Warning Signs Every Ghanaian Should Know
- Dada Joe Remix Pleads Guilty In US Romance Fraud Case, Agrees To Repay $4.4 Million
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