Authorities in Ghana and Kenya have launched investigations into disturbingreports that a Russian man secretly recorded sexual encounters with women in both countries and later shared the videos online without their consent.
The suspect, identified by African and Russian media as a self-proclaimed “pick-up artist” and online blogger in his 30s, is alleged to have filmed women covertly and distributed the footage on social media.
Allegations: Hidden Recordings and Online Uploads
Reports claim the man travelled to Ghana and secretly filmed his interactions with women, later uploading intimate footage without permission.
Some reports also allege he used sunglasses fitted with a hidden camera to record the encounters, although officials have not confirmed that specific detail.
Ghana’s Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection said an initial investigation suggests the suspect may have already left the country, but stressed that his departure does not reduce the seriousness of the case.
Ghana Plans Extradition Request From Russia
Ghana has said it intends to request the suspect’s extradition from Russia so he can face prosecution.
Ghana’s Technology Minister, Sam George, confirmed he has engaged the Russian ambassador in Accra, requesting Moscow’s cooperation in ensuring justice for the victims.
According to him, Ghana is ready to activate all available resources, including working with Interpol, to track the suspect.
“We want the gentleman to be brought back to Ghana… extradited to Ghana for him to face the rigours of our law,” George said.
He also stated that Ghana may proceed to try the suspect in absentia if he refuses to return.
However, Russia rarely extradites its citizens, except in exceptional cases.
Russia’s Embassy Reacts
Russia’s embassy in Ghana said it had “taken note” of the reports, but did not confirm whether Russian authorities would cooperate fully with Ghana’s investigation.
Kenya Also Investigating Similar Claims
The same suspect has also been accused of committing similar offences in Kenya.
Kenya’s minister of gender, culture and children services, Hanna Cheptumo, described the incident as a serious case of gender-based violence.
She said Kenya’s security and investigative agencies have been directed to pursue the case urgently, including international collaboration due to its cross-border nature.
Laws in Ghana and Kenya Could Lead to Heavy Jail Time
Kenya’s Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act (2018) provides up to two years in prison for publishing intimate images of another person without consent.
In Ghana, the Cybersecurity Act 2020 criminalises the sharing of nude photos or videos online, particularly involving women and children, with offenders facing penalties of up to 25 years in prison.
Ghana Cracking Down on Online Sexual Abuse
In recent years, Ghana has increased efforts to tackle online abuse, including sexual extortion and romance scams.
In one notable case, a Ghanaian court sentenced a 22-year-old phone repairer, Solomon Doga, to 14 years in prison in 2022 for sharing nude images of a Lebanese woman. He pleaded guilty to sexual extortion and non-consensual distribution of intimate content.
Correction Noted
It was also clarified that Ghana has not yet officially filed an extradition request, but the government has confirmed it plans to do so.
Investigations remain ongoing in both Ghana and Kenya as authorities work to identify victims, gather evidence, and pursue accountability.
Related: Bokku Mart Faces Backlash Over Advert Accused of Making Tribal Slur Against Igbos
