"Shatta Wale unable to identify seller of Lamborghini linked to $4m US fraud" – EOCO

Charles Nii Armah Mensah, popularly known as Shatta Wale, has failed to identify the individual from whom he claims to have purchased a luxury 2019 Lamborghini Urus, which United States authorities have linked to a $4 million fraud case, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has disclosed.

The vehicle, which was seized by EOCO in May 2025, has been flagged by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) as a substitute asset in a criminal case involving one Nana Kwabena Amuah — a Ghanaian national currently serving a prison sentence in the US for fraud and money laundering.

According to the Head of Public Affairs for the Acting Executive Director of EOCO, Shatta Wale informed investigators that he bought the Lamborghini for $150,000 from an unidentified individual known only as “ZAK”, whom he allegedly met on the street.

The artiste was unable to provide any valid documentation for the purchase, nor could he verify the seller’s full name, identity, or contact information.

“He claims the person contacted him via WhatsApp but he has since discarded the number and has no further means of identifying the person,” the EOCO spokesperson stated.

Shatta Wale also failed to present any purchase receipt, ownership transfer documents, or proof of payment.

The only document in his possession is a customs declaration that bears the name of Nana Kwabena Amuah — the convicted fraudster whose assets are currently under US forfeiture orders.

The probe forms part of a broader investigation by US authorities into possible co-conspirators in Ghana connected to a transnational fraud ring.

Acting on a request from the FBI and DOJ, EOCO began local efforts to locate and recover the Lamborghini Urus in question. The vehicle was eventually traced to Shatta Wale’s possession.

On August 15, 2025, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Central Division of Lexington, issued an official Order Forfeiting Substitute Asset, authorising the US Government to take possession of the Lamborghini in Ghana as restitution for the crime.

In response to Shatta Wale’s public comments claiming ownership of the vehicle, EOCO issued a formal invitation to him on August 5, 2025, asking that he report for questioning.

The initial appointment scheduled for August 13 was rescheduled at the request of his legal counsel to August 20 at 11 a.m. 

However, Shatta Wale reported to EOCO's office around 3 p.m. and refused to cooperate until his counsel arrived.

Despite the delay, EOCO investigators proceeded with a full interrogation session that concluded around 9 p.m., with some staff staying past working hours to ensure the interview was completed.

Following the interrogation, Shatta Wale was granted bail in the sum of GHC10 million, with two sureties to be justified.

EOCO stated that it would conduct a standard surety inspection upon presentation of the guarantors before releasing him from custody.

“This is standard EOCO protocol. Once the sureties are verified, Mr. Mensah will be released as investigations continue,” the Head of Public Affairs clarified.

Shatta Wale remains a person of interest in the ongoing investigations into the proceeds of crime and the suspected concealment of criminal property.

EOCO emphasised that the matter is still under investigation, and further actions will be taken as more facts come to light.

The agency has also reiterated its commitment to supporting international partners in dismantling cross-border financial crime networks.

EOCO is working closely with the FBI and DOJ to trace and recover assets acquired through fraudulent schemes affecting US citizens and institutions.

The collaboration is part of a wider transnational law enforcement initiative aimed at addressing money laundering and illicit financial flows between the US and Ghana.

The agency has assured the public of its neutrality and professionalism in handling the matter, stressing that due process will be followed at all stages of the investigation.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith