Abu Trica: Popular Swedru Big Boy Arrested in Joint FBI Operation
- Popular Swedru businessman and online sensation Abu Trica has reportedly been arrested following a joint FBI and Ghana police operation
- A US Justice Department statement said the 'big boy' was arrested in Ghana on December 11, 2025, following an investigation led by the FBI Cleveland Division
- An unsealed indictment with details of the case accused the Ghanaian of being part of a romance scam syndicate that defrauded elderly Americans of more than $8m
- In an interview with YEN.com.gh, journalist Emmanuel Frimpong addressed the issues surrounding the FBI's arrest of Abu Trica
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Popular Swedru-based Ghanaian businessman and online big boy, Abu Trica, has reportedly been arrested by US authorities.
Source: Facebook
According to an unsealed US Justice Department indictment, Abu Trica, whose real name is Frederick Kumi but is also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng, was arrested on Thursday, December 11, 2025, in Ghana.
He faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and a forfeiture specification, and faces up to 20 years in prison.
In a statement, the Justice Department alleged that the businessman, known for his lavish displays of wealth and ownership of an extravagant number of luxury cars, was part of a criminal network that had targeted elderly victims in the United States in romance fraud schemes. The syndicate had reportedly been operating since 2023 and defrauded their victims out of more than $8m.
"According to the indictment, perpetrators of this romance scam used Artificial Intelligence software to assume false identities and form close personal relationships with victims. They gained victims’ trust to obtain money and valuables, often targeting individuals through social media and online dating platforms under false pretenses," the Justice Department statement said.
"Victims were often elderly and engaged in romantic but physically distant relationships with perpetrators."
It added that after gaining the trust of victims, they requested money for urgent needs, including medical needs, travel expenses, or investment opportunities.
Abu Trica allegedly was part of distributing the alleged criminal proceeds once gained from the United States to Ghana and other locations.
The investigation into the crime syndicate was reportedly conducted by the FBI Cleveland Division with help from numerous Ghana government institutions including the Attorney General’s Office, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Cyber Security Authority, the Narcotics Control Commission, and the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB).
Abu Trica's lavish displays of wealth
Before his arrest, the Swedru-based businessman was known as one of the youngest millionaires in Ghana.
He famously flaunted more than GH¢2M worth of cash in a viral 2024 video.
Abu Trica also made headlines after clearing a Lamborghini Urus, which reportedly cost $450,000 (GH₵6.8 million), including duties.
His fleet of cars also includes a BMW i8, known for its speed and comfort, and a white G Wagon, while he acquired a Tesla Cybertruck in September 2025.
Below is a Facebook post showing some of Abu Trica's luxury possessions.
Ghanaian journalist addresses Abu Trica's arrest
In an interview with YEN.com.gh, journalist Emmanuel Frimpong addressed the issues surrounding the FBI's arrest of Abu Trica.
"Abu Trica’s arrest is a spit on the face of the carefully curated image of wealth and success he projected online. It is also a sobering reminder that much of the flamboyance celebrated on social media is often built on fraud, not fortune. The growing trend of romance scams linked to Ghana in recent times is deeply worrying, not only because of the harm done to vulnerable victims abroad, but because it normalises deceit, shortcuts, and criminality as acceptable paths to success at home. When “fake life” is rewarded with admiration, the moral cost to society is far greater than the money stolen.
"Beyond individual cases, these arrests expose a wider failure of values and enforcement. As long as unexplained wealth is applauded and accountability is weak, more young people will be drawn into cyber fraud, convinced that crime pays. The reputational damage to Ghana is real and lasting, reinforcing negative stereotypes and inviting closer foreign scrutiny. This trend should alarm policymakers, parents, and influencers alike: a society that glamorises scams is quietly undermining its own future," he said.
Source: Facebook
Popular businessman Kofi Boat arrested
Previously, YEN.com.gh reported that businessman Kofi Boat was arrested and extradited to the United States of America.
The businessman was arrested by a joint Interpol and the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) operation on Friday, June 13, 2025 before his extradition was confirmed in August.
Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
