EOCO seizes Shatta Wale’s Lamborghini over proceeds of crime

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has seized a luxury 2019 Lamborghini Urus from the residence of dancehall musician Charles Nii Armah Mensah, popularly known as Shatta Wale, in connection with a United States financial crimes investigation.

A joint operation between EOCO and the FBI, executed on Tuesday, followed a lawful search at Shatta Wale’s home at Trassaco Valley Phase 1 in Accra. The raid stemmed from a 2023 request by the FBI and the US Department of Justice concerning Nana Kwabena Amuah, a convicted financial fraudster currently serving an 86-month sentence in the United States.

According to EOCO’s press release, the Lamborghini was identified as one of the assets purchased with proceeds from Amuah’s criminal enterprise, triggering a seizure under the authority of Ghana’s Surveillance and Asset Recovery Unit (SARU).

EOCO officers stated that Shatta Wale cooperated during the operation, which was conducted without incident. However, the artist reportedly pleaded with officers not to make the seizure public, fearing reputational damage if images of the branded vehicle surfaced.

“He said if the vehicle branded with his identity was seen being driven away by EOCO, it would destroy his brand,” the statement read.

Despite his plea, the luxury vehicle is now in EOCO custody. Shatta Wale has also been invited to surrender another vehicle believed to be linked to the same operation.

The FBI and US Justice Department are expected to file a formal Mutual Legal Assistance request to the Government of Ghana, seeking the repatriation of the Lamborghini and an estimated $4.74 million in other assets tied to Nana Kwabena Amuah’s fraud scheme.

EOCO emphasised that the operation followed standard procedure and ensured the safety of all officers involved. The agency also reiterated its commitment to international cooperation in asset recovery and law enforcement.

While no charges have been brought against Shatta Wale at this time, the seizure adds a dramatic twist to the growing intersection between global financial crime and Ghana’s high-profile personalities.

Read the statement from EOCO below:

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