The Gbese District Court has ordered the extradition of Daniel Yusif, the alleged co-conspirator of Ghanaian romance fraud suspect Abu Trica, to the United States to stand trial over an alleged $8 million fraud scheme.

The court's decision means Yusif will be surrendered to US authorities unless he successfully challenges the committal order within 15 days.

The extradition forms part of an ongoing US criminal case linked to an alleged transnational romance fraud and money laundering network that prosecutors say targeted victims in the United States.

Yusif is accused of working with Abu Trica, who has been identified by US authorities as a key figure in the alleged scheme.

According to prosecutors, the fraud syndicate allegedly deceived victims through online romantic relationships before persuading them to transfer large sums of money under false pretences. The proceeds were then allegedly laundered through multiple financial transactions.

Background

Frederick Kumi, alias Abu Trica, has been the subject of extradition proceedings in Ghana after the United States sought his surrender to face multiple criminal charges.

US authorities allege that between about 2016 and 2023, Abu Trica and his associates orchestrated romance and business email compromise (BEC) scams that defrauded victims of more than $8 million.

The alleged victims were reportedly manipulated into sending money after developing online relationships or receiving fraudulent business communications.

US prosecutors also accuse the network of laundering fraud proceeds through bank accounts and other financial channels to conceal the source of the funds.

Abu Trica has consistently challenged attempts to extradite him, with his legal team arguing against the request in Ghanaian courts.

The latest ruling against Daniel Yusif represents another development in the wider case as US authorities pursue individuals they allege were involved in the fraud network.

Yusif now has 15 days to appeal the Gbese District Court's committal order before any extradition process can proceed.