Accra, August 6, 2025 — A joint operation led by Ghana’s Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) and U.S. federal agencies has resulted in the seizure of a 2019 Lamborghini Urus from the residence of Ghanaian music icon Charles Nii Armah, popularly known as Shatta Wale. Authorities say the luxury vehicle is linked to the proceeds of a criminal enterprise in the United States.
According to a press release issued by EOCO, the search and retrieval operation was carried out at Shatta Wale’s home in Trassaco Valley Phase 1, Accra, following a 2023 request by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and the United States Justice Department.
The operation was executed by EOCO’s Surveillance and Asset Recovery Unit (SARU), resulting in the discovery and seizure of the Lamborghini Urus, which U.S. authorities have traced to funds from financial crimes committed by one Nana Kwabena Amuah. Amuah is currently serving an 86-month prison sentence in the United States for multiple fraud offenses.
EOCO disclosed that Shatta Wale cooperated during the operation and voluntarily handed over the vehicle without incident. He is said to have expressed concern that the seizure, if made public, could damage his personal brand and reputation among fans.
Officers involved in the search described the encounter as professional and peaceful, and followed standard SARU safety protocols, including carrying weapons due to the high-risk nature of such operations.
The FBI and the U.S. Justice Department are expected to file a formal Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) request with the Government of Ghana to have the seized vehicle returned to the United States, where it will contribute toward the $4.7 million restitution owed by Amuah.
EOCO further noted that both Shatta Wale and a former senior officer of the National Signal Bureau (NSB) have been identified as persons of interest in the ongoing investigation and will be invited to assist with further inquiries.
The final findings of the investigation, EOCO confirmed, may be shared with U.S. authorities as part of ongoing international cooperation.
This development marks a significant escalation in the enforcement of transnational financial crimes and raises questions about the local ties of international fraud operations.