Man named by EOCO in Shatta Wale Lamborghini seizure serving 7 years in US jail over $4million fraud

In a high-profile action that has captivated the Ghanaian public, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) executed a somewhat unexpected seizure at the residence of renowned dancehall artist Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jr., better known as Shatta Wale—a 2019 Lamborghini Urus, traced to a convicted Ghanaian fraudster in the United States. The unfolding narrative highlights a tug of war between international justice and local celebrity brand management.

The Seizure, The Setup

In June 2025, EOCO’s Surveillance and Asset Recovery Unit (SARU), under a legally sanctioned directive, conducted a coordinated search at Shatta Wale’s home in the upscale Trassaco Valley Phase 1 enclave in Accra. The operation was executed following a 2023 request from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to assist in tracing assets linked to a major financial fraud case in America  .

During the search, officials located and seized a yellow 2019 Lamborghini Urus, which, based on investigative findings, was determined to be part of the proceeds associated with a criminal enterprise orchestrated by Nana Kwabena Amuah  . EOCO emphasized that the seizure proceeded without incident and that Shatta Wale cooperated, even requesting discretion to protect his brand image  .

The Man Behind the Scheme: Nana Kwabena Amuah

Described by EOCO as a “man named,” Nana Kwabena Amuah is currently serving an 86-month (seven-year) sentence in a U.S. prison, following his October 2023 conviction for orchestrating a sophisticated multi-million-dollar business email compromise and money laundering scheme  .

Court documents reveal he impersonated vendors and tricked nearly 70 public and private institutions into wiring funds into accounts controlled by a shell company, Gretson Company LLC. Notably, a local administrative body in Lexington, Kentucky, was momentarily defrauded of housing assistance funds—though the amount was later retrieved before withdrawal  .

Sentencing notes from U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell spotlighted the widespread damage, with some businesses losing crucial operating capital—and one even forced to shut down. Amuah, in court, expressed remorse and asked for clemency, calling his actions “selfish” and “thoughtless”  .

As part of his sentencing, Amuah was ordered to pay $4,743,443 in restitution to affected victims  . The Lamborghini in question is being treated by both Ghanaian and U.S. authorities as an asset that could contribute to satisfying this restitution.

Behind the Headlines: EOCO Protocols and MTV-Level Drama

EOCO defended its decision to arm SARU officers during the operation, stating such measures are standard safety protocol, not an intimidation tactic  . Nonetheless, Shatta Wale took to social media—specifically Facebook and TikTok—to express outrage. He accused EOCO’s Acting Executive Director Raymond Archer of humiliating him, warning of political fallout for Ghana’s ruling party and lamenting that the operation was “uncalled for”  .

In one livestream, Shatta Wale denied any involvement in fraud or connection with Amuah, claiming he had never heard of him. He alleged that EOCO had misled the public, accusing Archer of suggesting ties to an ex-NSB boss, Kwabena Adu Boahen, with whom he said he had no dealings  . The artist also maintained that he purchased the Lamborghini for $150,000 and was unaware of its illicit provenance  .

EOCO’s Legal Next Moves & International Coordination

EOCO indicated that it may share its final investigation report with U.S. authorities to support their asset recovery efforts  . The FBI and DOJ plan to issue a Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) request to the Government of Ghana to facilitate the Lamborghini’s repatriation to the U.S. as part of Amuah’s restitution payments  .

Meanwhile, EOCO has named both Shatta Wale and a former senior officer of the National Signals Bureau (NSB) as persons of interest, rather than suspects, and indicated they would be invited to assist in ongoing investigations  .

What It All Means: Brand vs. Accountability

This incident brings to light the tension between celebrity image management and adherence to rule-of-law, particularly in cross-border financial crimes. Shatta Wale’s status as a public figure—coupled with his request for discretion in the seizure—contrasts with strict legal mandates that prioritize asset recovery and justice over public relations.

Moreover, this case underscores how financial crime investigations can ripple across continents. An intricate fraud scheme committed in the U.S. has unfolded into a high-profile seizure in Ghana—a vivid reminder that the reach of law enforcement knows few borders.

Key Takeaways

1. Seizure Context: EOCO lawfully seized a 2019 Lamborghini Urus from Shatta Wale’s home in June 2025 following an FBI/DOJ request tied to a U.S. fraud case.

2. Convicted Perpetrator: Nana Kwabena Amuah is serving a seven-year U.S. sentence and owes nearly $4.75 million in restitution.

3. No Formal Accusation: Shatta Wale has not been charged; he remains a person of interest and has denied any wrongdoing.

4. Standard Procedures: EOCO’s use of armed officers was defended as routine safety protocol.

5. Ongoing Investigation: EOCO may share reports with U.S. authorities, who will formally request the vehicle’s return.

6. Public Reaction: Social media and headlines are raging with debate over intimidation, politics, and brand damage.

Looking Ahead

• Will the Lamborghini be repatriated to the U.S. as part of the restitution process?

• Could Shatta Wale’s cooperation—or lack thereof—impact the investigation’s outcome?

• Might this prompt tighter # due diligence checks in celebrity asset acquisitions?

For now, this high-octane mix of international finance crime, celebrity status, legal protocols, and social media spectacle continues to unfold—and Ghanaian media, fans, and authorities all remain on stage.

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