EOCO Refutes Claims of Prior Contact With Romance Scam Victim in “Abu Trica” Case
The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has firmly denied claims circulating in sections of the media that it had contact with the victim involved in the $8 million romance scam linked to notorious cybercriminal “Abu Trica” prior to his arrest.
In a press release dated December 16, 2025, EOCO clarified that it did not engage, communicate with, or make contact with the victim at any time before the suspect was arrested, dismissing the reports as unfounded and misleading.
The clarification follows public commentary and media speculation arising after EOCO, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, arrested Frederick Kumi, also known as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng, popularly called “Abu Trica,” over his alleged involvement in the multi-million-dollar romance scam.
According to EOCO, the clarification became necessary to protect the integrity of the Office and ensure accurate public understanding of the circumstances leading to the arrest.
“EOCO wishes to inform its stakeholders and the general public that the Office did not on any occasion contact the victim before the arrest, as is being speculated,” the statement said.
The Office explained that the arrest was part of a collaborative law enforcement operation, following due investigative processes, and not as a result of any prior engagement with the victim as being alleged in some quarters.
EOCO further reiterated its commitment to fighting economic and organised crime, particularly cybercrime, which has increasingly become a major threat to national security and Ghana’s international image.
The Office also urged the public to disregard misinformation and continue to support law enforcement agencies by reporting suspected cases of cybercrime and other economic offences.
The statement was signed by the Head of Public Affairs, on behalf of the Executive Director of EOCO.
