The Government of Ghana has classified the alleged non-consensual recording and dissemination of intimate images involving Ghanaian women as a criminal cybercrime matter and has formally engaged the Russian diplomatic mission over the case.
At a joint press briefing, Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, and Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, confirmed that investigations are underway into allegations involving a Russian national accused of secretly recording private encounters and monetising the content online.
The ministers stressed that the case is being handled strictly as a cybercrime under Section 67 of the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), which criminalises the non-consensual recording, publication, or distribution of intimate images where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy.
“Consent to a private encounter does not, in law, amount to consent to publication or distribution,” the Communications Minister stated.
Preliminary investigations suggest the suspect allegedly charged fees for access to the explicit material and received payments through cryptocurrency channels. Authorities have begun tracing and securing digital and financial evidence as part of the ongoing probe.
Given the transnational dimension of the case, the ministers disclosed that they formally engaged Sergei Berdnikov to brief him on the status of investigations and to submit a detailed report through diplomatic channels.
The engagement, they noted, aligns with the commitment of John Dramani Mahama’s administration to protect citizens and pursue accountability through lawful means.
Although Ghana currently has no extradition treaty with the Russian Federation, the Ambassador reportedly acknowledged receipt of the brief and indicated that the alleged conduct would also constitute a criminal offence under Russian law. He assured Ghanaian authorities of continued diplomatic engagement and communication with officials in Moscow.
Government has also activated cooperation mechanisms with international law enforcement partners, including INTERPOL, alongside immigration, cybersecurity, and financial intelligence agencies.
Officials cautioned the public against sharing, downloading, rebroadcasting, or monetising the material, warning that anyone who circulates the content—whether foreign or Ghanaian—may face criminal prosecution.
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has established a dedicated victim support desk staffed with clinical professionals to provide confidential psychological and emotional assistance to affected individuals.
Authorities say updates will be provided as investigations progress.
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