The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has indicated that more arrests are imminent in the government’s crackdown on cyber-enabled financial crimes, following the recent detention of a popular Snapchat personality, Frederick Kumi, widely known as Abu Trica.
Speaking in an interview, Mr George said the arrest of Abu Trica formed part of a broader enforcement effort by state agencies to deal with individuals whose display of sudden wealth raises serious concerns. He revealed that the Cyber Security Authority had recently picked up a suspect believed to be living a visibly successful lifestyle without a clear source of income.
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“Just yesterday, one of my agencies, the Cyber Security Authority, picked up an individual who is supposed to be successful. There’s no peace with that kind of success,” the minister said. He added that further arrests were already planned. “There are three more we’re picking up in the next few days.”
"The Cyber Security Authority will be picking up three more persons in the next few days"
—The Minister for Communications, Hon.
Sam Nartey George reveals, whilst urging for the appreciation of education as a means to a successful future. pic.twitter.com/qZMoPC0nWu— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) December 12, 2025
His comments come days after United States authorities confirmed the indictment of Abu Trica on charges related to wire fraud and identity theft. The Ghanaian national was arrested in Accra on December 11, 2025, following cooperation between US law enforcement agencies and Ghanaian security institutions.
According to US court filings, Abu Trica, whose real name is Frederick Kumi and who is also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng, is accused of participating in a transnational cybercrime network that targeted elderly victims through online romance scams. The case has attracted widespread attention in Ghana because of his high-profile social media presence, where he regularly flaunted bundles of cash, luxury cars and houses on Snapchat.
Prosecutors in the United States allege that since 2023, Kumi and his associates used sophisticated digital tools, including Artificial Intelligence software, to create fake identities on social media and online dating platforms. These identities were used to form emotionally intimate but physically distant relationships with elderly victims across the United States.
The indictment states that the perpetrators built trust through frequent and affectionate conversations by phone, email and messaging platforms. Victims were then persuaded to send money or valuables under false pretences such as urgent medical needs, travel expenses or supposed investment opportunities.
US authorities further allege that after the victims transferred funds, Kumi coordinated with co-conspirators in Ohio and other parts of the United States to receive and redistribute the proceeds to associates in Ghana and other locations, in a manner designed to conceal the origin of the funds and frustrate tracing efforts.
Kumi has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy and a forfeiture specification. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison, although US officials have noted that sentencing will depend on several factors, including his role in the offence and any prior criminal record.
The US Attorney’s Office stressed that the indictment is only a charge and does not amount to proof of guilt, noting that Kumi is entitled to a fair trial and that prosecutors must prove their case beyond reasonable doubt.
The investigation was led by the FBI’s Cleveland Division and prosecuted by Assistant US Attorney Brian McDonough. US authorities acknowledged extensive collaboration from Ghana’s Attorney General’s Office, the Economic and Organised Crime Office, the Ghana Police Service, the Cyber Security Authority, the Narcotics Control Commission and the National Intelligence Bureau, among other agencies.
Mr George said the arrests signalled a tougher posture by government against cybercrime and digital fraud, particularly cases involving public figures whose lifestyles raise red flags. He warned that investigations were ongoing and that more individuals connected to similar activities would soon face arrest, as the government moves to restore public confidence in Ghana’s digital space.
