New Arrests in Online Food Delivery Fraud Case
Three additional individuals have been arrested and charged for allegedly running fake online food delivery services. This brings the total number of accused persons to seven, who are currently facing charges before the Accra Circuit Court.
The latest arrests include Godsway Dunyo, Wonder Sakpiti, and Mathew Aheto. These individuals were apprehended following a complaint and subsequent intelligence that led officers from the Ghana Police Service Cybercrime Unit to arrest them in Sogakope on October 1, 2025. The remaining accused, described as alleged ringleaders, were arrested on October 10, 2025, at an apartment in Haatso, Accra.
Alleged Criminal Activities
The seven accused individuals are charged with conspiracy to commit crime, five counts of defrauding by false pretences, and five counts of stealing. Additionally, Obed Selasi Agboli faces a charge of money laundering for allegedly using proceeds from the fraudulent activities to purchase an E450 Mercedes Benz valued at GH¢800,000.
According to the prosecution, the accused created fake online platforms and social media pages that mimicked well-known food brands such as Papaye, Pizzaman, Chickenman, KFC, and Mawarko. Victims who encountered these pages placed orders and were instructed to make advance mobile money payments, but the orders were never delivered.
Impact on Victims
Prosecution reports that victims were sometimes sent verification links, which, when clicked, enabled the accused to gain access to their bank accounts linked to their mobile money numbers, leading to unauthorized withdrawals. Investigations so far show that a total of GH¢91,100 was withdrawn from the bank and mobile wallets of five identified victims.
Police also retrieved 28 assorted mobile phones believed to have been used in the fraudulent operations. Digital forensic examinations are ongoing to reach out to other victims.
Legal Proceedings
All accused persons have pleaded not guilty and have been remanded into lawful custody. The first group of accused, including Elliot Sotama Atsu, Elijah Sotama, Jethro Atsu, and Obed Selasi Agboli, were arraigned earlier on October 15, 2025.
The case highlights the growing concern over cybercrime and the need for increased awareness among users of online services. As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone who may have fallen victim to come forward to assist in the identification of all affected parties.
Conclusion
This case underscores the importance of vigilance and caution when engaging with online platforms, especially those offering food delivery services. The involvement of sophisticated methods such as phishing and unauthorized access to financial accounts demonstrates the evolving nature of cybercrime. Authorities are working diligently to bring those responsible to justice and to prevent similar incidents in the future.