Ghanaian dancehall star, Shatta Wale, has found himself in the middle of an international fraud case after the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) seized his luxury Lamborghini Urus.
According to EOCO, the 2019 Lamborghini found at Shatta Wale’s residence in Trassaco Valley, Accra is believed to be connected to proceeds from financial crimes committed by Nana Kwabena Amuah, a Ghanaian man currently serving an 86-month sentence in the United States.
The US government, through the FBI and Department of Justice, reportedly requested the return of the car as part of a $4.7 million restitution process.
In a statement by EOCO’s acting director, Raymond Archer, the agency confirmed that the seizure was carried out legally and without resistance. Officers were reportedly armed during the operation, which took place in June, for security reasons.
Shatta Wale, however, wasn’t pleased. He took to social media to express his frustration, accusing EOCO of trying to disgrace him and questioning the need for armed officers at his home. He insisted he legally bought the Lamborghini from a third-party seller for $150,000 and had no connection to the convicted fraudster. He also said he had no idea who originally imported the vehicle into Ghana.\
EOCO revealed that Shatta Wale had asked them not to publicize the seizure because the vehicle was part of his brand image. The agency allowed him to voluntarily hand over the car, which is now in their custody.
As investigations continue, Shatta Wale and a former senior officer of Ghana’s National Signal Bureau are both being treated as persons of interest. EOCO says it will likely forward a full report to the FBI and US Justice Department.
By Ezinne Okorie.
