Abu Trica Was Not Hated by Gov’t; His Arrest Was a Joint Security Operation — Deputy NACOC Director Explains
Deputy NACOC Director says arrest was intelligence-led and part of coordinated international security collaboration, not personal targeting.
- NACOC says Abu Trica arrest was a joint security operation
- No personal targeting or “witch-hunt” involved, official insists
- Case linked to $8m US romance scam investigation
Deputy Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Lawyer Alexander Twum-Barima, has clarified the circumstances surrounding the arrest of Frederick Kumi, also known as Abu Trica, stressing that the operation was not driven by personal animosity but formed part of a coordinated international security collaboration.
Speaking on the Ghana Se Sen Morning Show on Lawson TV/Radio with host Kwame Tanko, Lawyer Twum-Barima rejected claims that the state targeted the 31-year-old Swedru-based Ghanaian out of hatred or bias.
According to him, the perception that government agencies “hated” Abu Trica is inaccurate, explaining that he personally had no prior knowledge of the suspect until his arrest was effected.
“I didn’t even know him had it not been that he was arrested,” he stated, adding that enforcement actions are guided strictly by intelligence and inter-agency cooperation rather than personal interests.
He further emphasised that the operation was part of a broader joint security effort involving both Ghanaian and international partners. He noted that agencies such as NACOC work closely with global counterparts, including U.S. institutions, in tackling transnational crime.
“It is not because somebody is hated. We work because if you check the U.S. Department of State and the agencies they collaborate with in Ghana, you will see the Narcotics Control Commission,” he explained.
Lawyer Twum-Barima stressed that the arrest of Abu Trica, whose real name is Frederick Kumi, formed part of coordinated investigations into an alleged international cybercrime and romance scam network.
Abu Trica, a 31-year-old Ghanaian, was arrested in Ghana for his alleged involvement in an $8 million romance scam targeting elderly victims in the United States. The indictment, unsealed in a U.S. federal court, also lists him under aliases including Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng and Abu Trica.
Authorities allege that since 2023, the network used Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to create fake identities and lure victims into romantic relationships online, primarily targeting elderly individuals through social media and dating platforms.
Victims were allegedly manipulated into sending money and valuables under false pretences such as medical emergencies, travel costs, and investment opportunities. The funds were reportedly transferred to accomplices in Ghana and other locations.
Abu Trica faces charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and forfeiture-related offences, with a possible sentence of up to 20 years if convicted.
The investigation was led by the FBI’s Cleveland Division in collaboration with Ghanaian security and intelligence agencies, including EOCO, the Ghana Police Service, the Cyber Security Authority, NACOC, and the National Intelligence Bureau.
Law enforcement officials describe the case as part of the U.S. Elder Justice Initiative, aimed at protecting elderly victims from financial exploitation and online scams.
He was granted bail of GH¢30 million by the Accra High Court in an extradition-related proceeding, while investigations continue into suspected co-conspirators and the recovery of allegedly stolen funds.
