Three Arraigned Over Alleged SIM Box Fraud Scheme in Sakumono
Suspects accused of running a phone-farming scam network that allegedly siphoned $700,000 in crypto.
- Three suspects remanded over alleged SIM box fraud.
- $700,000 reportedly moved through cryptocurrency channels.
- Large cache of SIM boxes and devices seized in Sakumono raid.
The accused persons — Olanrewaju Adedeji Segun, Timileyin Fakunle and Olamide Roheemot — are all described as data managers.
Three other suspected accomplices identified as Adebowole Pelumi, Michael Taiwo and Tommy are currently on the run.
According to prosecutors, the suspects allegedly used electronic communication devices to obstruct communications, fraudulently obtain money from victims through mobile money transactions, convert the funds into cryptocurrency and transfer the proceeds outside Ghana.
Investigators further disclosed that between June 2025 and January 2026, the suspects and their accomplices allegedly transferred about $700,000 in cryptocurrency linked to the fraudulent activities.
The three accused persons have been charged with conspiracy to commit crime, operating electronic communication services without a licence from the National Communications Authority, possession of unregistered SIM cards and obstruction of communication.
They pleaded not guilty to all charges when they appeared before the court without legal representation.
The court subsequently remanded them into lawful custody to reappear on June 4, 2026, while investigations continue.
Presenting the facts in court, Chief Inspector Wisdom Alowru said personnel from the Regional Criminal Investigations Department acted on intelligence received on January 20, 2026, regarding suspicious electronic installations at a residence on Celebrity Hills Avenue in Sakumono.
Following a search warrant issued by the Adabraka District Court, officers conducted a raid on January 22, 2026, targeting three apartments occupied by the suspects.
During the operation, investigators reportedly recovered a large quantity of unregistered SIM cards, 26 desktop computers, 52 SIM boxes, 1,040 assorted mobile phones, six internet routers and several other electronic gadgets allegedly used for SIM box fraud.
Prosecutors told the court that the suspects identified two accomplices currently at large and also named a Chinese national known as Tommy, believed to be operating from Singapore, as the alleged mastermind behind the operation.
The court further heard that the Cyber Security Authority was authorised to examine the seized devices and concluded that the suspects were allegedly operating a phone-farming scam centre based on the equipment configurations and operational patterns discovered.
Investigations are ongoing as authorities work to track down the remaining suspects and determine the full extent of the alleged fraud network.
