The Ghana Police Service, through the Cybercrime Unit of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), has arrested ten suspects for allegedly operating fake online food delivery platforms used to defraud unsuspecting customers across the country.
The arrests followed weeks of intelligence-led operations targeting a cyber fraud syndicate that created fraudulent websites and social media accounts impersonating popular food brands such as Papaye, Pizzaman, KFC, and Mawarko.
Initial Arrests at Sogakope
According to a police statement, six suspects — Wonder Sakpiti, Sedinam Amaglo, Godsway Dunyo, Angela Agblemekpe, Mathew Aheto, and Fafali Amoah, were arrested on October 1, 2025, during a special operation at Sogakope in the Volta Region.
Police say the suspects had created multiple fake food delivery websites and Facebook pages to lure customers. Victims who placed orders were instructed to make advance payments via mobile money, only to never receive their food.
How the Fraud Worked
Investigations revealed that the syndicate not only took fake orders but also, in some cases, gained unauthorized access to victims’ mobile money wallets and bank accounts under the pretext of helping them process payments.
The scammers would then withdraw funds or transfer them to untraceable accounts.
Digital devices believed to have been used in the cyber fraud scheme have been seized and are undergoing forensic analysis by the Cybercrime Unit.
Mastermind and Additional Arrests
Further police investigations led to the arrest of the alleged ringleader, Elijah Sotama Etse, also known as “Pop Smoke,” along with three others — Elliot Sotama Atsu, Jethro Atsu, and Obed Selasi Agboli, on October 12, 2025, from their hideout at Haatso, Accra.
Twelve mobile phones suspected to have been used in the fraudulent activities were retrieved and are being preserved for forensic examination.
Suspects to Face Court
All ten suspects are currently in police custody and are expected to be arraigned before court today, Monday, October 13, 2025.
The Ghana Police Service has called on members of the public who may have fallen victim to similar online scams to report to the nearest police station to assist with ongoing investigations.
The Service further cautioned Ghanaians to verify online vendors before making payments and to avoid sending money upfront to unfamiliar businesses.
