The Ghanaian Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), in collaboration with the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the US Department of Justice, has seized a luxury vehicle belonging to popular dancehall artiste, Charles Nii Armah Mensah, popularly known as Shatta Wale, as part of an ongoing investigation into a multi-million dollar fraud case.

In a press release issued on Tuesday by EOCO’s Acting Executive Director, Raymond Archer, and shared by Ghanaian television outlet Joy News, the agency disclosed that a 2019 Lamborghini Urus was seized from Shatta Wale’s residence in Trassaco Valley Phase 1, Accra.

According to EOCO, the operation was conducted by its Surveillance and Asset Recovery Unit (SARU) in response to a 2023 formal request from the FBI and the US Justice Department. The vehicle has been linked to criminal proceeds from one Nana Kwabena Amuah, a Ghanaian national currently serving an 86-month prison sentence in the United States for multiple financial crimes.

“In June this year, the Economic and Organised Crime Office, acting on a 2023 request from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and the United States Justice Department, undertook an operation which led to a lawful search in a home at Trassaco Valley Phase 1, in Accra,” the statement read.

“The operation, undertaken by SARU, led to the discovery and seizure of a 2019 Lamborghini Urus, which US authorities have tied to the proceeds of the criminal enterprise of one Nana Kwabena Amuah.”

EOCO noted that the Lamborghini was found in Shatta Wale’s possession, and that the musician voluntarily surrendered the vehicle following a peaceful and professional search.

“The car was seized from one Charles Nii Armah, aka Shatta Wale. Officers were professional and civil. Nii Armah was allowed to surrender the vehicle himself, which is currently in EOCO’s custody,” the statement added.

The agency also revealed that Shatta Wale initially pleaded with operatives not to make the seizure public, citing concerns that it would damage his brand.

EOCO confirmed that SARU officers were armed during the operation, describing it as standard safety protocol to ensure the protection of personnel during field assignments.

The agency further disclosed that the United States government intends to repatriate the seized vehicle as part of the restitution owed by Amuah, which totals $4,743,443. A formal Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) request is expected to be sent to the Government of Ghana.

“Charles Nii Armah, aka Shatta Wale, and a former senior officer of the National Signal Bureau (NSB) have been assessed as persons of interest and will be invited by EOCO to assist in the ongoing investigation,” the statement said.

EOCO also noted that a final report may be shared with the FBI and US Justice Department as part of their continued partnership on the case.

Meanwhile, Shatta Wale appeared to respond to the incident in a series of Facebook posts, criticizing EOCO’s approach and accusing the agency of political intimidation.

“Raymond Archer, EOCO Boss, you go make NDC go out of power next 4 years. Bringing guns to my house was uncalled for,” he wrote in one post.

In another, he stated:

“EOCO boss, the President of Ghana didn’t put you in that office to humiliate the citizens of this country. Remember, God no sleep.”

The case continues to draw public attention, as authorities intensify investigations and prepare for possible legal proceedings.