Police bust ten for online food delivery fraud

The Ghana Police Service, through the Cybercrime Unit of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), has arrested ten individuals suspected of operating a sophisticated online fraud scheme involving fake food delivery platforms.

The suspects allegedly created counterfeit websites and social media pages mimicking popular food chains, including Papaye, Pizzaman, KFC, and Mawarko, to dupe unsuspecting customers across the country.

Following weeks of intelligence gathering, the Cybercrime Unit conducted a targeted operation at Sogakope on October 1, 2025, resulting in the arrest of six suspects — Wonder Sakpiti, Sedinam Amaglo, Godsway Dunyo, Angela Agblemekpe, Mathew Aheto, and Fafali Amoah.

Investigations revealed that the group had created fraudulent online delivery platforms to lure victims into placing fake food orders. Customers were instructed to make advance payments via mobile money, after which the scammers disappeared without delivering any items.

In some instances, the suspects reportedly gained access to victims’ mobile money wallets and bank accounts, withdrawing funds under the guise of helping them complete payments.

Digital devices used in the scam were seized and are currently undergoing forensic analysis.

Further investigations led police to Haatso, Accra, where the ringleader, identified as Elijah Sotama Etse alias “Pop Smoke”, was arrested on October 12, 2025, along with three accomplices — Elliot Sotama Atsu, Jethro Atsu, and Obed Selasi Agboli.

During the raid, officers recovered twelve mobile phones believed to have been used in coordinating the fraudulent activities. These devices are also being preserved for forensic examination.

All ten suspects are currently in police custody and are expected to appear before court today, Monday, October 13, 2025.

The Ghana Police Service has called on members of the public who may have been defrauded through fake food delivery sites to report to the nearest police station to assist with ongoing investigations.

The Service also cautioned citizens to verify online platforms before making mobile money payments, emphasizing that fraudulent digital schemes are on the rise, particularly those exploiting the convenience of online delivery services.