A Ghanaian man, Nana Kwabena Amuah, who was named in the Economic and Organised Crime Office’s (EOCO) recent statement regarding the seizure of a Lamborghini associated with musician Shatta Wale, is currently serving a seven-year prison sentence in the United States for his involvement in a multi-million-dollar fraud scheme.
The luxury vehicle, a 2019 Lamborghini Urus, was confiscated by EOCO on August 5, 2025, as part of a joint investigation between the agency and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The probe centers on suspected proceeds of international cyber fraud and money laundering.
Fraud Scheme and U.S. Conviction
Amuah, described by U.S. prosecutors as the ringleader of a sophisticated criminal conspiracy, was sentenced in October 2023 to 86 months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering. According to court documents, the scheme targeted nearly 70 public and private institutions across the U.S., resulting in an attempted theft of almost $4 million—most notably from the city of Lexington, Kentucky.
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In one major incident in August 2022, the group impersonated a legitimate vendor and successfully tricked Lexington city officials into transferring housing assistance funds intended for a local nonprofit, the Community Action Council, into a fraudulent account. Although the city was able to recover the funds in time, other victims of the scheme were not as fortunate.
Prosecutor Kathryn Dieruf highlighted the impact in her sentencing memo, stating that the fraud “deprived businesses of their operating funds” and caused significant financial distress, with one company shutting down entirely due to the losses.
Amuah laundered the stolen funds through shell entities such as Gretson Company LLC, working with accomplices including Shimea Maret McDonald, a 24-year-old Texan who also pleaded guilty. McDonald was found with more than 40 fake IDs and played a key role in moving and disguising the stolen money.
EOCO and Asset Seizure in Ghana
Following requests from the FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice, Ghanaian authorities were tasked with identifying assets linked to Amuah’s activities. EOCO’s August 6 statement confirmed that the Lamborghini seized from Shatta Wale’s residence is believed to have been purchased with proceeds from the fraud.
EOCO stated that the vehicle will remain in its custody pending the outcome of legal processes related to the international investigation.
Shatta Wale has since criticized the seizure, calling it an act of harassment. However, EOCO maintains that the operation is part of a broader effort to combat cross-border financial crimes and recover illicit assets.
Restitution and Ongoing Investigations
Despite expressing regret during sentencing—calling his actions “selfish” and “thoughtless”—Amuah was ordered to pay more than $4.7 million in restitution to victims.
U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell, while acknowledging his lack of prior criminal history, emphasized the seriousness of the crimes. “Internet fraud can desensitize offenders to the real-world damage they cause,” she remarked.
Investigations remain ongoing as authorities in both Ghana and the U.S. continue efforts to uncover and reclaim assets connected to the elaborate fraud ring.
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem