The prominent Ghanaian musician Shatta Wale has been detained by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in a tax investigation, a development his management confirmed in a statement. The artist voluntarily presented himself to the EOCO on Wednesday afternoon. This detention follows the recent seizure of his yellow Lamborghini, a luxury vehicle that U.S. authorities allege is linked to the proceeds of a criminal enterprise.
Tax Probe and International Fraud Network Allegations
Shatta Wale’s management clarified that his detention pertains to “tax obligations” and not the more serious allegations from the U.S. However, the backstory of the Lamborghini’s seizure is tied to a convicted Ghanaian fraudster, Nana Kwabena Amuah, who is currently serving a seven-year jail term in the U.S. U.S. court records show that Amuah and his co-conspirators defrauded nearly 70 public and private organizations. The EOCO has stated that the $150,000 car will be returned to the U.S. to help in the restitution of Amuah’s victims.
Shatta Wale’s Defense and Public Response
Known by his birth name, Charles Nii Armah, Shatta Wale has consistently denied any connection to Nana Kwabena Amuah. He has claimed he was a “third-party owner” of the luxury car and had no knowledge of who shipped it to Ghana. Following his detention, Wale’s management released a statement urging fans to remain calm and avoid speculation, assuring them that the legal team is actively working with authorities to resolve the matter.
Why It Matters
This incident is part of a wider collaboration between Ghana and the U.S. to dismantle international fraud networks. The seizure of the Lamborghini coincides with a recent operation by the FBI and U.S. Justice Department that led to the extradition and arrest of three Ghanaian nationals alleged to be the masterminds behind a $100 million fraud scheme.
