The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has issued a firm warning to individuals involved in cybercrime in Ghana and beyond, following the arrest of businessman Frederick Kumi, also known as Abu Trica.
The arrest took place after Abu Trica, who is based in Swedru and known on social media, was taken into custody by United States authorities with support from several Ghanaian security agencies. These included the Cyber Security Authority, the Criminal Investigations Department, the National Intelligence Bureau, the Narcotics Control Commission, the Economic and Organised Crime Office, and the Attorney‑General’s Office.
In a statement, the minister commended the Cyber Security Authority and the collaborating agencies for their efforts. He emphasized that enforcement against cybercriminals will continue and warned that anyone involved in online crime, whether targeting Ghanaians or others, should expect to be pursued by law enforcement.
Abu Trica’s arrest follows months of investigation into an international network accused of conducting romance scams targeting elderly victims. The network allegedly used sophisticated methods to assume false identities and gain trust before defrauding victims of money and valuables, with more than eight million dollars reportedly obtained through these schemes.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening cybersecurity and deterring online criminal activity. He affirmed that authorities will take decisive action against cybercriminals to protect citizens and maintain Ghana’s reputation internationally.
