"Three arrested over taxi-based mobile phone snatching syndicate” – Police

The Ghana Police Service has arrested three suspects believed to be members of an organised criminal syndicate that uses taxi cabs to steal mobile phones and other valuables from unsuspecting passengers in Accra and its environs.

Addressing the media on Tuesday in Accra, the Director of National Operations of the Ghana Police Service, DCOP Theophilus Hlor­menu, said the arrests followed sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance and coordinated police operations by the National Operations Directorate (NOD) Surveillance Unit, in collaboration with the NOD Emergency Command Centre.

According to DCOP Hlormenu, the suspects—Sasu Lawrence, also known as Agbe, aged 45; Richard Osei, aged 36; and Charles Kofi Nti, also known as Survivor, aged 40—were arrested on January 12, 2026, in separate intelligence-led operations conducted in Accra and surrounding communities.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects operate as a syndicate targeting mainly women in the early hours of the day.

They reportedly pose as commercial taxi drivers, with two suspects seated in front and a third at the back.

Once a victim boards the vehicle, the doors are deliberately locked.

As the victim attempts to alight, the suspect at the back pretends to assist but allegedly steals the victim’s mobile phone or wallet.

DCOP Hlormenu explained that investigations were triggered by a complaint lodged on November 17, 2025, by a victim who reported that she boarded a taxi from Nmai Dzorn to Adenta Aviation.

Upon reaching her destination, the occupants of the vehicle allegedly threatened her and forcibly took her iPhone 14 before ordering her out of the car.

Subsequent intelligence and technical surveillance led police to identify a black-and-orange Toyota Vitz used in the operations, as well as the suspects’ movements and hideouts across Kasoa, Taifa, Pokuase, Amasaman, and nearby areas.

On January 12, the suspect vehicle was tracked and intercepted at Weija, leading to the arrest of Sasu Lawrence.

Further operations at Pokuase Mayera resulted in the arrest of Richard Osei, who attempted to flee upon sighting police officers.

A green Daewoo Matiz, suspected to be linked to the syndicate, was retrieved as an exhibit.

The third suspect, Charles Kofi Nti, was later arrested at Doblo Gonno, where he was found hiding in a room at his residence.

DCOP Hlormenu said all three suspects are currently in police custody assisting with investigations, while efforts are underway to arrest other accomplices, including suspected receivers of the stolen items.

Two individuals identified as receivers—Williams Ampong, aged 47, who operates around Circle and Achimota, and Frederick Kwaku Gyadu, aged 50—are also being pursued.

He assured the public of the Police Service’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks and urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly to the nearest police station.

The police has further explained that the technical name for the crime perpetuated is termed as 'City Bugu'.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith