Six men are in police custody following their arrest in connection with an alleged plot to defraud a Ukrainian businessman through a bogus investment scheme involving counterfeit U.S. currency.
The suspects—identified as Abdel Razak Djidonou, a 44-year-old consultant based in Paris; Simon Mbillam, 39, a property agent from Oyarifa; Mohamed Ibrahim, 62, a contractor residing in Tema; Prince Pius, 44, a businessman from Spintex; George Bonsu, 64, a driver from Kwabenya Abuom Junction; and Chief Toni Silas, 53, a businessman from Dome Kwabenya—were picked up by National Security operatives on Saturday, June 8, 2025.
The arrest took place at a warehouse facility located in Abokobi, a suburb in the Greater Accra Region, where the accused were reportedly engaged in a meeting with their alleged victim, Grygorii Morozov, a Ukrainian national.
According to information presented to the Accra Circuit Court, the accused allegedly lured Morozov into the country with promises of facilitating the transfer of what was purported to be one million U.S. dollars in cash to Austria for an investment. Morozov was reportedly charged a fee of $10,000 under the guise of an “appointment fee” required to initiate the transaction.
Upon his arrival in Ghana, the businessman was taken to the warehouse in Abokobi, where the counterfeit operation was allegedly set to be demonstrated. It was at this location that undercover National Security personnel intervened, recovering a green metallic trunk and a large sack commonly referred to as a “Ghana-Must-Go” bag. Both containers were found to be loaded with what officials suspect are forged U.S. dollar bills.
The six suspects have been charged under Section 23(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), for conspiracy to commit a crime—specifically forgery, uttering forged documents, and possession of counterfeit currency. They also face charges under Section 18 of the Currency Act, 1964 (Act 242), which deals with offenses related to dealing in fake currency.
During the court proceedings, lead prosecutor ASP Abel Amanie urged the bench to remand the accused, arguing that the matter remains under active investigation and that granting bail could potentially compromise the process.
In a rebuttal, defense attorney Andrew Vortia raised objections to the remand request, alleging that his clients had suffered physical abuse at the hands of arresting officers. According to Vortia, one of the accused sustained a split nose while another had visible injuries to the eye, suggesting excessive force during their apprehension.
The presiding judge, Her Honour Susana Eduful, declined to proceed with the matter, explaining that the Circuit Court lacked jurisdiction to adjudicate cases involving first-degree felonies. The case has since been referred for appropriate reassignment.
