A United States court has granted lawyers representing Ghanaian Frederick Kumi, also known as Abu Trica, access to sealed evidence gathered by investigators ahead of his trial in September.
The US court decision marks a significant development in the case of $8 million romance scam and money laundering charges against Abu Trica.
According to reports, the court ruled that the defence team may review confidential documents collected during the investigation to help prepare its case.
However, the judge imposed strict conditions governing how the materials can be accessed, shared and used.
Meanwhile, Abu Trica is facing up to 20 years in prison if convicted of alleged $8 million romance scam and money laundering charges in the United States.
The United States prosecutors have alleged that Abu Trica defrauded over 80 elderly victims of more than $8m in a romance scam.
According to a statement issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio following Kumi’s extradition from Ghana to the United States to face charges, Abu Trica used artificial intelligence-driven technology and fake online identities to orchestrate a romance scam.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office revealed that luxury vehicles and properties allegedly acquired by Abu Trica, revealed that his mansion and other assets have been seized by US authorities.
They disclosed that Abu Trica, who has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy, faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Parts of the report stated, “…After being misled by false stories of gold or diamond inheritances, the victims sent money via wire transfer to financial accounts controlled by conspiracy members. Portions of the funds were further provided to co-conspirators in Ghana and elsewhere. Kumi and other co-conspirators used money mules based in Ghana and contacts in the Ghanaian immigrant community in the U.S. to launder millions of dollars through fake businesses and bank accounts.
“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, a Tesla Cybertruck, a Mercedes-Benz, and a BMW”, the report stated.
“Kumi has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy. Additionally, his ill-gotten gains are subject to forfeiture. Kumi faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment.
If convicted, each defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after a review of factors unique to the case, including each defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, his role in the offence, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentences will not exceed the statutory maximum, and in most cases, they will be less than the maximum”, it added.
See the post below:
🇺🇸🇬🇭 COURT UPDATE :
— CDR AFRICA (@cdrafrica) July 18, 2026
US court allows Abu Trica’s lawyers to access sealed evidence ahead of September trial.
The court has given Abu Trica’s defence team permission to review confidential documents collected during the investigation.
The materials will help his lawyers… pic.twitter.com/DfqVP04fDX
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