Court discharges six in alleged $1M fake currency scam

An Accra Circuit Court has discharged six individuals accused of attempting to defraud a foreign investor with counterfeit U.S. currency, citing a lack of jurisdiction over the case.

Presiding Judge Susan Eduful freed the accused—Abdel Razak Djidonou (44), Simon Mbillam, Mohammed Ibrahim (62), Prince Pius (44), George Bonsu (64), and Chief Toni Silas (53)—after determining that the court was not the proper venue to hear the matter. Another suspect, identified only as Dr Jamal, remains at large.

The group had been charged with conspiracy, forgery, and possession of forged currency. However, because investigations are still underway, their pleas were not taken.

Defense lawyer Andrew Vortia requested bail for his clients, telling the court they had suffered visible facial and bodily injuries during their arrest.

According to the prosecution, the case involved a Ukrainian businessman who was allegedly lured to Ghana from Germany with promises of a $1 million cash deal. On June 8, 2025, police received information that National Security Operatives had apprehended the suspects in Abokobi. Upon their arrest, authorities seized a green trunk and a “Ghana must go” bag reportedly filled with fake dollar notes.

Investigators claim the accused had demanded a $10,000 “appointment fee” from the foreign investor in exchange for access to the forged money, which was purportedly to be airlifted to Austria for a supposed investment opportunity.

A meeting was scheduled at a warehouse in Abokobi, where the group was ultimately caught in a sting operation by National Security.

Though the Circuit Court has discharged the suspects, further legal action may proceed depending on the outcome of ongoing investigations.