Why EOCO seized Shatta Wale's Lamborghini

Ghana’s Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) has confirmed it conducted a lawful search and seizure at the Trassaco Valley residence of popular dancehall artist Shatta Wale as part of a joint investigation with U.S. authorities into transnational financial crimes.

The June 2025 operation, carried out by EOCO’s Surveillance and Asset Recovery Unit (SARU), followed a formal request from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Department of Justice (DOJ).

During the operation, EOCO officers seized a 2019 Lamborghini Urus allegedly purchased with proceeds from financial crimes committed by Ghanaian convict Nana Kwabena Amuah, who is currently serving an 86-month sentence in the United States.

The luxury SUV, traced to Shatta Wale, was linked to Amuah’s $4.7 million criminal enterprise. EOCO said the vehicle was surrendered voluntarily and without resistance. Officers, who were reportedly “professional and civil,” allowed the artist to hand over the vehicle after he expressed concern that public knowledge of the seizure would harm his reputation and brand.

EOCO stressed that all protocols were followed, including the presence of armed officers for safety during the operation.

As the U.S. prepares to submit a Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) request for the car’s repatriation, EOCO has named both Shatta Wale and a former senior official of Ghana’s National Signals Bureau as persons of interest. Both are expected to be invited to assist in the ongoing investigation.

The Ghanaian crime agency indicated that the final findings may be shared with the FBI and DOJ as part of broader efforts to recover assets linked to Amuah’s case and strengthen international cooperation in fighting organised crime.