Ghana seeks extradition of Russian man over secret sex videos

Ghana has announced plans to seek the extradition of a Russian national accused of secretly filming intimate encounters with several Ghanaian women and posting the videos online without their consent.

According to authorities, the suspect, described as a self-proclaimed “pick-up artist” and blogger in his 30s, allegedly travelled to Ghana and used concealed equipment to record himself with women before sharing the footage on social media platforms.

Ghana’s Minister for Communications and Technology, Sam George, said he had summoned the Russian ambassador to Accra to address the issue, stressing that the alleged actions constitute a violation of Ghana’s cybersecurity laws. Preliminary findings from the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection indicate that the suspect may have already left the country, but officials emphasized that this does not diminish the seriousness of the allegations or the government’s commitment to pursuing justice.

The government has stated it will work with Russian authorities and Interpol to trace and extradite the suspect to Ghana to face prosecution. However, Russia rarely extradites its citizens, except in exceptional circumstances.

If extradition efforts fail, Ghanaian authorities have indicated that the case could proceed in absentia under national law.

Under Ghana’s Cybersecurity Act 2020, the non-consensual publication of intimate images carries severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences.

Officials say the case underscores ongoing efforts to combat online abuse and protect individuals from digital exploitation.

Throwback

In one high-profile case in 2022, a 22-year-old phone technician, Solomon Doga, was sentenced to 14 years in prison after admitting to sharing nude images of a Lebanese woman.

He pleaded guilty to charges including sexual extortion and distributing intimate material without consent.

The government says strengthened enforcement under the Cybersecurity Act is aimed at protecting victims, particularly women and children, from exploitation, blackmail and online harassment.