Soldiers, Police officers among suspects in Ghana’s gold fraud scheme

The Ghana Police Service has confirmed the arrest of seven individuals, including two military personnel and three serving police officers, over their alleged involvement in a sophisticated robbery syndicate linked to a series of attacks across major cities including Accra, Tema, Anyinam, Kumasi, and Takoradi.

The arrests were carried out by the Office of the Special Operations Assistant to the Inspector-General of Police, following coordinated intelligence-led operations targeting the suspected criminal network.

In a statement shared via its official social media platforms on Tuesday, the Police Service said the operation followed a complaint lodged by an Ivorian investor, identified as Mousa Bamba, who alleged he was lured into a gold transaction that turned out to be a violent robbery scheme.

According to Bamba, he was invited to the Dzorwulu area in Accra under the pretext of purchasing six kilogrammes of gold valued at approximately US$450,000. Upon arrival, he was reportedly confronted by individuals posing as officers of the Criminal Investigation Department and members of the military.

The suspects allegedly robbed him at gunpoint before fleeing the scene.

Following the complaint, investigators launched a coordinated operation that initially led to the arrest of two suspects identified as Mohammed Umaro, also known as “Alhaji,” and Gabriel Sewornu, also known as “Dangote.”

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Subsequent investigations expanded the scope of the case, linking additional suspects to the criminal network, including members of the security services.

Those implicated include two soldiers, Lance Corporal Eugene Akurugu and Lance Corporal Emmanuel Arko, also known as “Bullet,” alongside three police officers identified as Inspector Richmond Osei, Corporal Gideon Anor, and Lance Corporal Felix Deku Tetteyga.

The Police Service confirmed that the implicated officers have been interdicted to allow for full and transparent investigations into their conduct and alleged involvement in the syndicate.

Further intelligence-led operations between May 23 and May 24, 2026, resulted in the arrest of additional suspects identified as Justin Oduro, also known as “Don King” and “Mafia,” Clement Gyasi, and Farouk Zakari.

Authorities said the coordinated arrests are part of ongoing efforts to dismantle what appears to be a well-organised criminal network operating across multiple regions in Ghana.

“All suspects are currently in Police custody assisting investigations, while efforts continue to arrest other accomplices connected to the syndicate,” the Police Service stated.

Security analysts say the involvement of both military and police personnel in the alleged scheme raises serious concerns about internal discipline and the infiltration of criminal networks into state security institutions.

A security expert, Adib Saani, described the development as troubling, noting that cases involving uniformed personnel undermine public trust in law enforcement agencies.

According to him, such incidents highlight the need for stronger vetting processes, continuous internal monitoring, and stricter accountability mechanisms within security services.

He added that gold-related fraud and robbery syndicates have become increasingly sophisticated in West Africa, often exploiting foreign investors and posing as legitimate security operatives to execute scams.

Another analyst, Security Analyst, noted that the cross-regional nature of the attacks suggests a coordinated criminal enterprise with access to insider information and operational support.

He stressed that the ongoing investigation would be critical in determining whether the syndicate operated independently or benefited from wider institutional complicity.

The Ghana Police Service has assured the public that investigations are ongoing and that all individuals connected to the network will be brought to justice as operations continue across affected regions.