The Cybercrime Unit of the Ghana Police Service in Assin Fosu has arrested a 20-year-old man in connection with a mobile money fraud that allegedly resulted in the loss of more than GH¢40,000.
Police identified the suspect as Frederick Doomson. He is alleged to have defrauded a mobile money vendor operating at Assin Asaman in the Central Region through a phone-based scam.
According to information provided by the Assembly Member for the area, Gregory Gyakye, the incident occurred after the vendor received a phone call from individuals who posed as fellow mobile money operators. During the call, the suspects reportedly mentioned the name of a business associate known to the vendor in order to gain her trust.
Mr Gyakye said the caller then requested that GH¢40,000 be transferred to a specified mobile money number. Believing the request to be legitimate, the vendor made the transfer. She later realised that she had been deceived and reported the matter to the police.
The case was referred to the Cybercrime Unit of the Central North Regional Police Command, which launched an intelligence-led investigation. Police say this led to the arrest of Frederick Doomson, who claimed to be a resident of Assin Darmang in the Assin South District.
During interrogation, police say the suspect admitted to receiving GH¢4,440 as his share of the proceeds from the transaction. Police have not disclosed whether the remaining funds have been traced or recovered.
Investigators believe at least two other individuals were involved in the fraud. Those suspects are currently at large, and police say efforts are underway to locate and arrest them. No charges have yet been announced, and police say the suspect remains in custody pending further investigation. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Speaking to Ghone News, Mr Gyakye commended the Cybercrime Unit for what he described as a swift and professional response to the case. He said the unit had demonstrated similar effectiveness in previous investigations despite facing logistical challenges.
He appealed to authorities and the public to support the Cybercrime Unit with adequate resources to strengthen efforts against cyber-related crimes. Mr Gyakye also advised mobile money vendors and the general public to verify transaction requests carefully, particularly those received through phone calls, to reduce the risk of fraud.
Police say investigations are continuing and further updates will be provided as the case develops.