In a stunning development, Ghanaian musician Shatta Wale has had his luxury Lamborghini seized in a high-profile international operation.
The seizure, carried out by Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), came as a surprise to many fans of the dancehall star.
The operation was part of an ongoing investigation led by US authorities, including the FBI and the Department of Justice.
The 2019 Lamborghini Urus was removed from Shatta Wale’s residence in Trassaco Valley, a high-end area in Accra.
This action was part of a legal request submitted by the FBI in 2023.
According to EOCO, the luxury vehicle is believed to be tied to proceeds from financial crimes committed in the United States.
“The car was seized from one Charles Nii Armah, aka Shatta Wale,” EOCO said in its statement.
“The officers were professional and civil, and the search and seizure occurred without incident.”
Shatta Wale, real name Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jr., reportedly asked that the seizure not be made public.
He feared the move would hurt his image as a public figure.
“Nii Armah had pleaded with officers that he did not want the seizure to be made public because the vehicle was a big part of his brand,” the statement added.
The car is linked to Nana Kwabena Amuah, a convicted fraudster currently serving an 86-month prison term in the US.
Authorities allege that the Lamborghini is part of Amuah’s criminal assets.
He has been ordered to repay over $4.74 million to US authorities.
“The FBI and the Justice Department intend to send a formal Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) to the Government of Ghana to return the car to the United States,” EOCO stated.
EOCO’s Surveillance and Asset Recovery Unit (SARU) led the local side of the operation.
Its officers were armed during the search, which EOCO clarified was a standard safety measure.
“It is a standard safety protocol practice for officers of the Surveillance and Asset Recovery Unit (SARU) to carry weapons whilst on operation,” the statement confirmed.
Furthermore, both Shatta Wale and a former National Signal Bureau (NSB) officer have been named as persons of interest.
EOCO may also share its findings with the FBI and US Justice Department.
“EOCO may share the final investigations report to the FBI and the Justice Department as part of our ongoing cooperation,” the agency revealed.
The Lamborghini, currently held by EOCO, is likely to be repatriated to the US. The move is part of efforts to recover funds from Amuah’s criminal activities.
