TIG Post

Tag: Economic and Organized Crime Office

  • Public disagreements between EOCO-OSP on Cecilia Dapaah case embarrassing – Ghana Integrity Initiative

    Public disagreements between EOCO-OSP on Cecilia Dapaah case embarrassing – Ghana Integrity Initiative

    Executive Secretary of the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), Mary Addah has expressed deep concern over the escalating public feud between the country’s two state anti-corruption bodies, the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) and the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

    The dispute arose when COP Maame Yaa Tiwa Addo-Danquah of EOCO announced the return of the Cecilia Dapaah cash case docket to OSP, citing insufficient evidence for further investigation.

    This move was met with a swift rebuttal from Samuel Appiah Darko of OSP, highlighting EOCO’s prior return of the same docket.

    Addah emphasized the counterproductive nature of airing such disputes in the media, stressing the importance of collaboration and unity in combating corruption.

    She urged the agencies to focus on substantive issues like the Cecilia Dapaah case and emphasized the need for lifestyle audits.

    “Bringing these issues into the media is not the best way to go. It’s good to work together and collaborate. It is not healthy for the fight against corruption to listen to some of these sentiments going on.

    “There are issues around lifestyle audit that we need to pay attention to. What the people of Ghana want is these investigative bodies to be prosecuting corruption and not doing the internal wrangling,’’ the GII boss advised.

    Moreover, Addah voiced concerns over funding restrictions hindering Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in their anti-corruption efforts.

    “Civil Society want to do more to fight corruption in the country. We are doing a lot. But on another score, because of the restrictions on our funding sometimes you will even want to do more. Sometimes you want to mobilise the citizens on the streets, but you do not have the resources to do so. We do not have the mandate to do investigations so you see, we are not as much as we will wish. We work within limited places because of resources,” she said.

    Despite these challenges, she noted the potential for collaboration between CSOs and anti-corruption agencies in the Commonwealth to bolster the fight against corruption across Africa.

    The Commonwealth Regional Conference on corruption highlighted shared experiences and lessons, fostering optimism for a more effective anti-corruption campaign moving forward.

  • EOCO’s probe into celebrities unexplained wealth is a good move, Ghana needs cleansing – Okyeame Kwame

    EOCO’s probe into celebrities unexplained wealth is a good move, Ghana needs cleansing – Okyeame Kwame

    Ghanaian music icon Kwame Nsiah-Apau known popularly as Okyeame Kwame expressed support for the recent announcement by the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) to conduct lifestyle audits on celebrities and individuals suspected of possessing unexplained wealth.

    In a recent statement, Okyeame Kwame asserted, “I think it’s a good thing because, just as I said in our conversation in December, Ghana needs cleansing. We need to cleanse ourselves off the corruption that has taken hold. If EOCO plans to do some cleansing, I think they should have started yesterday, and I like it.”

    The Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) in Ghana has unveiled plans to conduct lifestyle audits, marking a groundbreaking step to ensure individuals’ wealth aligns with their declared sources of income.

    The initiative aims to instil a culture of financial accountability and responsibility in the country.

    Edward Cudjoe, Head of Administration and Investigations at EOCO, revealed that processes were underway to initiate lifestyle audits for individuals with unexplained wealth.

    He emphasised the organisation’s commitment to proposing amendments to current laws to align with international standards, requiring individuals to substantiate any gaps in their financial profile with legitimate earnings.

    Cudjoe explained, “We are leading the charge by ourselves, making certain proposals for the amendment of the law to align with international standards. Any discrepancies must be clarified to law enforcement, and the burden of proof rests on the individual to explain the origin of those resources.”

    The decision by EOCO to launch lifestyle audits, specifically targeting celebrities and those with suspected unexplained wealth, marks a significant stride toward promoting financial transparency and accountability.

    The initiative aims to foster a culture of responsible financial behavior not only among high-profile figures but also within the broader population.

  • BOG, EOCO apprehend loan app operators

    BOG, EOCO apprehend loan app operators

    More than 420 individuals working for loan apps have been taken into police custody.

    The Bank of Ghana (BOG), the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), and the Cyber Security Authority coordinated their efforts to carry out a well-planned operation that resulted in the capture of the suspects.

    Authorities launched raids on numerous alleged owners of digital lending applications, often known as loan apps, in the Greater Accra Region as part of this coordinated operation.

    The people behind these apps engage in a variety of illegal acts, including cyberbullying, extortion, the unauthorized use of data and privacy, and, in the most extreme situations, issuing death threats.

    In a statement issued by the authority, it was stated, “The three collaborating institutions carried out a targeted operation in the early hours of Monday, July 10, 2023, as part of a joint effort by the Cybersecurity Committee, resulting in the arrest of more than 420 suspects.

  • EOCO boss appointed vice Chairperson of Anti-corruption institutions in Africa

    EOCO boss appointed vice Chairperson of Anti-corruption institutions in Africa

    Ghana’s Executive Director of the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, has been appointed Vice Chairperson of the Association of Heads of Anti-Corruption Institutions in Commonwealth Africa.

    She was elevated at the three-day conference 13th Commonwealth Regional Conference for Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Africa held at Seychelles.

    COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa until her elevation, initially served as the Treasurer of the antigraft body which had representatives from Botswana, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania and Zambia.

    The Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission of Seychelles was confirmed as the new chairperson of the Association of the Commonwealth Africa Anti-Corruption Agencies in Africa.

    In her remarks, she lamented that lack of funding and getting financial forensic specialists was major issue inhibiting the fight against corruption.

    “Our problem is similar when it comes to our fight against corruption. There is the same problem with funding, and getting financial forensic specialists We have seen that there are some differences as well when it comes to political will.” She said.

    A series of priority areas were identified to be worked on.

    “In our communiqué, we guarantee that we will face these challenges and we will reinforce the services that we offer. We will also bring this fight to another level. We will ensure that we share with each other the programmes that we see are innovative and have worked in other African Commonwealth countries and that we will also be able to use these models that they have and support each other,” said de Silva.

    Anti-corruption agencies of Commonwealth Africa are seeking to increase youth education and public awareness of the impact, harm and cost of corruption as well as promote integrity and accountability in public office in the Seychelles Communiqué.

    The communiqué also seeks to promote leadership, honesty, selflessness, and innovation, and to prove the quality of outgoing mutual legal assistance (MLA).

    Member governments are also being asked to enact and implement effective legislation, open and transparent procedures on the declaration of assets of senior public officials supported by honest wealth provisions and civil assessment recovery for future measures.

  • EOCO urges business owners to pay taxes

    EOCO urges business owners to pay taxes

    Executive Director of the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), COP Maame Yaa Tiwa Addo-Dankwa, has urged company owners to file their annual filings.

    This, she said will ensure that appropriate taxes are paid to the State thereby promoting the socio-economic development of the country.

    “I encourage the business community that we are obligated to pay our taxes. Let us always remember that, little drops of taxes make a mighty nation.

    “The point is, other countries have made it because of taxes and we should also do it. We should not always be concealing things from the tax man so that whatever we have to pay, we pay that,” she said on Friday.

    She made this call during a brief ceremony in Techiman to inaugurate the Bono East Regional office of EOCO.

    EOCO boss explained that taxes are essential to the day-to-day running of the state and as such the business community must pay to enable the government to undertake projects.

    “You should also remember that you as a businessman cannot construct your own road, you cannot build your own hospitals, and you cannot construct your own terminal or anything.

    “It is the taxes that government gets that they use to provide all these amenities for all of us. So we must ensure that we pay what we are obligated to pay and we should not hide anything from the tax man and we should be good citizens of the nation,” she added.

    The new office will help EOCO to prevent and detect organised crimes as well as facilitate the confiscation of the proceeds of crime.

  • Here is the list of 95 suspected stolen luxury vehicles frozen by EOCO

    Here is the list of 95 suspected stolen luxury vehicles frozen by EOCO

    The Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) has reported that its Executive Director has frozen approximately 95 luxury vehicles

    These cars which are in the possession of some individuals and car dealerships are to be brought to the offices of EOCO no later than May 3, 2023.

    Owners of these vehicles are expected to come along with the needed documents.

    The statement from EOCO said if owners of the said vehicles do not report with them on the said date, it will take the needed steps to confiscate them in accordance with the law.

    The cars are believed to have been stolen from across the United States and shipped into the country by a syndicate.

    Below are the details of the 95 cars:

  • Cybercrime affects economic development and threatens national security – EOCO Boss

    Cybercrime affects economic development and threatens national security – EOCO Boss

    The Economic and Organized Crime Office‘s (EOCO) Executive Director, COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, is urging individuals to participate in the campaign against cybercrime since it might undermine national security and government attempts to boost economic growth.

    Speaking as the Special Guest of honor at the Kumasi Technical University (KsTU) on the theme “Building a Sustainable Cyber Crime-Free Society for Economic Development”, the police Chief noted that economic prospects made possible through technology could be disrupted if cybercrime is not checked and the right framework to curb it is not put in place.

    She said even though Africa has made in-routes with technological advancement, cybercrime can erode all the gains.

    “Africa is said to be the fastest growing region of the world for internet penetration and for use of mobile-based financial services, hence it has become an increasingly attractive area for cybercriminals. Ghana is one of the few countries to have signed the African Union Convention on Cyber security and Personal Data Protection, and deposited the instruments of accession to the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime. The Opportunities brought about by digital technologies to accelerate economic growth are curtailed by the cybercrime menace hence it is imperative to provide stringent mitigating measures to build a sustainable cybercrime-free society for economic development,” she said.

    “Cybercrime can cause significant damage to individuals, businesses and economies. By raising awareness, developing effective laws and regulations, promoting cyber security training, investing in technology, and establishing partnerships, we can work together to prevent cybercrime and create a safer and more secure digital environment”.

    COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa noted that amidst the challenges of cybercrime, Ghana has become a trailblazer in championing the fight against cybercrime.

    “In October 2019, the Economic Community of West African States endorsed Ghana as the champion in the region on cyber security and cybercrime matters, requesting the country to act as ambassador in the field and share best practices with neighbouring countries”

    The Kumasi Technical University Department of Institute of Research, Innovation, and Development organised the event. The forum was to create the awareness of cybercrime and its impact on society.

  • EOCO recovers GH¢27.55 million in ten months – Finance Minister reveals

    The Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) has recovered GH¢27.55 million being proceeds of crime as of the of end September 2022, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta revealed at last Thursday’s 2023 Budget hearing.

    The recovered amount which covers a period of ten months is almost double of what was recovered between 2019 and 2021.

    According to official figures available, EOCO in 2019 recovered only GH¢4,301,262.79, GH¢4,365,129.69 for 2020, and GH¢6,142,984.01 for 2021.

     

    Speaking to the development on the floor of parliament last Thursday, the Finance Minister said “ Mr. Speaker, the Office, through the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), recovered an amount of GH¢27.55 million (being GH¢11.14 million direct recovery into the Consolidated Fund and GH¢16.41 million indirect recovery to other institutions) from the proceeds of crime as at end September, 2022”

    According to him, the office also investigated 490 cases out of which 19 are being prosecuted.

    “Mr. Speaker, EOCO investigated 490 cases out of which 19 are being prosecuted at various courts. The Office secured one court conviction, and five cases were dismissed. In addition, the Office carried out 55 sensitisation programmes on cybercrimes, 55 on gaming, three outreach programmes on human trafficking and irregular migration. In 2023, EOCO anticipates investigating 450 cases, out of which over 50 cases will be prosecuted. The Office plans to carry out 60 sensitisation programmes on cybercrimes, 55 on gaming, and five outreach”

  • NAM1 has a service passport, he is protected Captain Smart alleges

    Renowned journalist, Blessed Godsbrain Smart, popularly known as Captain Smart, has advised Menzgold Ghana Limited customers who lost their funds after the company was closed down, to give up on seeking justice.

    He asserted that the customers would not receive their money back because the Menzgold CEO, Nana Appiah Mensah, also known as NAM1, who is currently facing charges for operating unlawfully, is being shielded by those at the helm of affairs.

    In light of this, he added that, he is not surprised that the Economic and Organized Crime Office‘s (EOCO) Executive Director, COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, is alleged to have said that there is insufficient evidence to convict NAM1 of any crime.

    “EOCO said there is no evidence to take NAM1 to court for the court to prosecute and sentence him. What have I been telling you? I have told you guys that the Menzgold customers are not going to get their money back.

    “NAM1 will never be jailed. He is not going to be imprisoned for even three days. NAM1 is enjoying whatever he is enjoying. NAM1 is protected. EOCO is saying there are not enough laws in Ghana to take NAM1 to court. So, how did the Bank of Ghana close down MenzGold,” he said in Twi in an Onua TV interview monitored by GhanaWeb.

    He added that “NAM1 has indefinite vice to the UK and the US and also has easy access to Singapore. So, anything in his case becomes difficult, he travels out of the country. Who gave such a criminal a service passport? Service passports are given to government officials and anyone working for the government. Who gave NAM1 a service passport? He is protected.”

    Captain Smart further stated that even if the Office of the Special Prosecutor investigates NAM1, nothing can be done to him.

     

  • EOCO arrests Nigerian for defrauding Ukrainian businessman of $6.5 million

    A Nigerian criminal syndicate led by one Sunny Anwamini (Sam), has been busted by the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) for defrauding a Ukrainian businessman to the tune of $6.5 million.

    The suspect, Sunny, 52, was apprehended on Wednesday, July 20, 2022, by EOCO in an intelligence-led operation in partnership with the state National Security.

    According to sources at EOCO, the suspect met his victim (Mazen Farakh), in December 2018 in Ghana during which the latter expressed interest in purchasing expensive wood pieces known as “Teak.”

    Sam, after receiving the sum of $6.5 million from the Ukrainian businessman, sent photographs of fake pallets of teak stored in custom bonded warehouses to him and promised to get the goods delivered in Ukraine.

    However, Mazen Farakh in his statement at the EOCO, disclosed that for over three (3) years, Sunny failed to deliver containers of the products as stated in their agreement.

    On March 27, 2022, Sunny was arrested by police personnel from the Ghana Police Headquarters in Accra but was later released after a brief detention.

    A case in point was when one Kofi Karikari, a police officer with the Accra Regional Police Command, was seen openly providing escort for Sunny in very suspicious circumstances.

    Meanwhile, Mazen Farakh wants to recover his $6.5 million from the Nigerian criminal syndicate and is therefore appealing to the powers that be to ensure that Sunny Anwamini is made to face the full rigors of the law.

    The Ukrainian businessman and his partners have expressed worry over the present state of affairs in relation to the country’s justice delivery system, calling on authorities to ensure that Sunny is made to face justice in a manner that will make him recover his money from the Nigerian criminal syndicate.

    For this reason, the Ukrainian businessman is currently in the country to ensure that Sunny is brought to book.

     

    Source: Ghanaweb