By Seli Baisie
The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has confirmed the seizure of a luxury 2019 Lamborghini Urus SUV from Ghanaian dancehall artist Charles Nii Armah Mensah, popularly known as Shatta Wale, in a joint operation with the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The seizure, carried out at Shatta Wale’s residence in Trassaco Valley Phase 1, Accra, follows a request by the FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice to recover assets linked to Nana Kwabena Amuah, also known as Philip Osei Tutu—a Ghanaian-American who is currently serving an 86-month sentence for multiple financial crimes, including romance scams and business email compromise (BEC) fraud in the United States.
In a press release issued on August 5, 2025, EOCO stated that the 2019 Lamborghini Urus, which had been in Shatta Wale’s possession, was identified by U.S. authorities as having been purchased with proceeds from Amuah’s criminal enterprise.
According to EOCO, the operation was conducted by its Surveillance and Asset Recovery Unit (SARU) and was executed without incident. The agency noted that Shatta Wale requested the seizure be kept from public knowledge, citing the vehicle’s importance to his public image and brand. Officers reportedly allowed him to voluntarily hand over the vehicle, which is now in EOCO custody.
“The officers were professional and civil,” the statement read, adding that “the search and seizure occurred without incident.” EOCO further clarified that it is standard protocol for its officers to be armed during such operations to ensure safety.
The FBI and the U.S. Justice Department are expected to formally request the vehicle’s repatriation under a Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) arrangement, as part of efforts to satisfy a court-ordered restitution of $4.74 million owed by Amuah to his victims in the U.S.
Shatta Wale and a former senior officer of the National Signal Bureau (NSB) have both been designated as persons of interest and are expected to be invited by EOCO for questioning as investigations continue.
Shatta Wale responds; In a Facebook post following the operation, Shatta Wale criticised EOCO’s leadership, particularly the agency’s acting executive director, for what he described as an excessive display of force.
“ Raymond Archer EOCO BOSS, Ibe you go make NDC go out of power next 4yrs.Bringing guns to my house was uncalled for,” he wrote.
The musician did not address the allegations of the car’s alleged ties to a convicted fraudster but maintained his innocence and expressed concern about the reputational damage the incident may cause.
EOCO has indicated it may share the final investigative report with U.S. authorities as part of the ongoing international collaboration. The agency also urged the public to avoid speculation as the matter remains under active investigation.
Below is the Statement from EOCO;
