From Wanted to Ghanaian Citizen: How foreign fugitives allegedly use Ghana as a haven for fraud

A troubling intelligence report has revealed how some foreign fugitives are allegedly exploiting Ghana's citizenship and residency systems to evade justice and defraud unsuspecting businesses.

At the centre of the revelations is an Indian national, Niharika Handa, also known as Niharika Gautam or Niharika Ajay Handa, who is accused of entering Ghana under false pretences, securing citizenship, and using that status to carry out a string of fraudulent schemes.

According to court records in India, Handa allegedly fled her home country in 2021 to evade 14 non-bailable arrest warrants.

Yet, barely a year later, in 2022, Handa allegedly acquired Ghanaian citizenship, together with her son, Punar Vasu Handa, despite not meeting the mandatory seven-year continuous residency requirement.

Intelligence sources within the police revealed that in the process, she also allegedly falsified her date of birth, changing it from 14 September 1961 on her Indian passport to September 14, 1965 on her Ghanaian passport.

The sources say the case raises serious questions about how she was able to obtain the necessary police clearances, residency permits, and eventually, citizenship.

Soon after obtaining Ghanaian documents, Handa allegedly used her new status as a Ghanaian citizen and passport holder to secure visas to the UK, UAE, and Schengen countries.

Intelligence sources say she then turned her sights on Ghanaian business executives, allegedly partnering with Amar Deep Singh Hari, the IPMC's Chairman and Gold Crest Refinery's co-founder.

Hari, who has lived and worked in Ghana for more than thirty years, is said to have been allegedly defrauded of millions of dollars through the refinery partnership.

Handa and her son are accused of allegedly siphoning funds from the joint venture, later absconding abroad, and lodging counterclaims against Hari.

She reportedly accused him of trespassing on his own premises, stealing assets, and hoarding gold. An alleged search conducted by Ghana's National Security at Hari's properties, however, turned up nothing.

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Delhi District Court Niharika Handa vs State on 3 August, 2021

Sources say Handa allegedly succeeded in duping several Ghanaian business executives by establishing a presence in elite enclaves such as Trassaco Estate in Accra, hosting lavish events to cultivate robust networks, and partnering with reputable philanthropists and business leaders to mask her questionable past.

According to sources who spoke on condition of anonymity, the case has prompted grave concerns among security experts. They warn that if individuals can manipulate Ghana's citizenship and residency systems, the country risks becoming a haven for fraudsters, money launderers, or even terrorist financiers.

"How did Handa and her son obtain Ghanaian police clearances?" one security analyst asked.

"How were they granted residence permits without completing the statutory residency period? Who facilitated their citizenship process despite glaring red flags in their backgrounds?"

Authorities say investigations are ongoing.

Attempts to reach Handa and her son have been unsuccessful.



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