Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Accra — Ghanaian police have arrested three suspects in the Volta Region in connection with an elaborate online fraud scheme in which the accused allegedly impersonated high‑profile public officials to deceive and defraud members of the public. The operation was carried out by the Ghana Police Service’s Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team following a sustained, intelligence‑led investigation across multiple communities in the region, including Sogakope, Dabala, Dzodze and Penyi.
The suspects, identified as Gideon Awudi (25), Edem Soku (33) and Judith Soku (31), are believed to have created and operated fraudulent social media accounts that mimicked the identities of respected public figures, including the Speaker of Parliament and the Inspector‑General of Police, as part of a broader online scam network. Police allege these fake identities were deployed to build trust with unsuspecting victims before soliciting money under false pretences.
According to a police statement, the suspects used sophisticated digital tactics to deceive people into making financial transactions through mobile money and other online banking methods. In some cases, victims were led to believe they were assisting or responding to requests from actual government officials, only to later discover they had been duped into transferring funds to fraudulent accounts controlled by the suspects.
Authorities say the syndicate’s operations extended beyond simple impersonation. Preliminary investigations indicate involvement in a broader network of cybercrime activities that may encompass mobile money fraud, credit card scams, and online marketplace deceptions. Police have cautioned that this investigation is ongoing and that more arrests could follow as detectives expand their inquiry into the suspects’ contacts and mechanisms for perpetrating the fraud.
The three suspects have been transferred to the Special Investigations Unit at the Criminal Investigations Department Headquarters in Accra while police complete their docket in preparation for prosecution. As investigations continue, the Ghana Police Service has reiterated its commitment to prosecuting cybercriminals and dismantling online fraud networks that exploit digital platforms and undermine public trust.
Cybercrime has become an increasing concern for Ghanaian authorities, with multiple high‑profile operations over recent years targeting digital fraud rings and the proliferation of fake social media accounts. In separate actions over the past months and years, security agencies have disrupted cybercriminal networks, seized hundreds of fraudulent profiles and arrested dozens of suspects for creating fake online services, including bogus food delivery platforms and romance scam operations.
The Ghana Police Service has urged the public to remain vigilant when conducting transactions online and to verify the authenticity of social media accounts, particularly those claiming affiliation with government officials or offering financial opportunities. Officials have also emphasised the importance of reporting suspicious digital activity promptly so that law enforcement can intervene before victims suffer financial loss.
The rise of online fraud in Ghana mirrors a wider continental trend as criminals exploit the rapid growth of digital connectivity, social media platforms and mobile money services. Experts warn that as internet penetration increases, so too does the need for robust cybersecurity measures, public awareness campaigns and law enforcement capacity to detect and respond to sophisticated cyber threats.
In response to these challenges, Ghanaian authorities have strengthened collaboration with international partners and regional law enforcement networks to share intelligence, track cross‑border digital crimes and bring offenders to justice. This approach has seen considerable success in multinational operations that have dismantled cybercrime rings and recovered funds from networks using fake identities and complex financial manipulation schemes.
Cybercrime specialists say the Volta Region arrests should serve as a warning to would‑be fraudsters and a reminder to the public about the risks associated with unauthorised online solicitations. They recommend that individuals exercise caution when approached with unsolicited financial requests, offers that seem too good to be true, or communications that leverage the names and images of public officials without clear verification.
As the suspects await legal proceedings, police have reiterated their commitment to pursuing all persons involved in digital and online fraud. The Ghana Police Service continues to enhance its cyber intelligence capabilities, aiming to stay ahead of ever‑evolving fraud tactics and protect the public from schemes that exploit the anonymity and reach of the internet.
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