Nsawam prison inmates, others busted in romance scam 

A disturbing cybercrime syndicate operating from both inside and outside Ghana’s major correctional system (Nsawam Medium Security Prisons) has been exposed, following the arrest and remand of one suspect linked to a sexual extortion ring, targeting a 37-year-old woman in Accra.

The Accra Circuit Court, presided over by Her Honour Susana Eduful, heard that between July 2023 and March 2025, the syndicate, allegedly led by individuals identified as Ramzy (currently at large), Michael Tumi (an ex-convict now in custody), William Ekpe (currently serving term at Nsawam Medium Security Prisons) and James Afoakwa (also at large) extorted money from the victim (name withheld), by threatening to release sexually explicit images of her online.

According to the prosecution, Chief Inspector Margaret Ofori Boadi, the complainant fell victim to an elaborate romance scam in 2022, initiated via Facebook, by a user named “Ramzy.” Claiming to be a Ghanaian soldier based in the United States, “Ramzy” engaged the complainant in a long-distance online relationship involving numerous video calls, during which she was manipulated into sharing intimate visuals of herself.

The victim’s suspicions grew after “Ramzy” requested money transfer of GH¢4,000 to a Ghana-based contact.

She refused, blocked the scammer and ceased communication, only to later receive nude photos and videos of herself via WhatsApp, coupled with threats to leak them unless she paid GH¢2,000 to an MTN Mobile Money account.

Out of fear and embarrassment, the complainant sent the demanded amount. However, the threats and extortion continued until October 2024, prompting her to report the matter to the Ghana Police Service.

Investigations led officers to the Nsawam Medium Security Prisons, where Michael Tumi, recently released on June 7, 2025 was confirmed as one of the recipients of the victim’s funds. Further intelligence linked William Ekpe, an inmate and James Afoakwa, both alleged accomplices to the wider scam network.

The syndicate reportedly uses over fifty phone numbers to operate what police describe as a “Romance Scam Syndicate.”

Charges Filed Against the Accused:

1. Sexual Extortion – Under Section 66 of the Cyber Security Act, 2020 (Act 1038).
2. Non-Consensual Sharing of Intimate Images – Under Section 67 of the same Act.
3. Conspiracy to Commit Sexual Extortion – In violation of Section 23(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) and Section 66 of the Cyber Security Act.
4. Conspiracy to Share Intimate Images Without Consent – Also under Section 23(1) of the Criminal Offences Act and Section 67 of the Cyber Security Act.

The court has since remanded the accused into custody while the investigation continues. The case has been adjourned to June 24, 2025.

Police say efforts are ongoing to apprehend the two remaining suspects still at large, “Ramzy” and James Afoakwa, and have urged the public to be cautious when engaging online relationships and to report any suspicious activities immediately.

 

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