Ghana’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has interrogated dancehall artiste, Charles Nii Armah Mensah, popularly known as Shatta Wale, over the ownership of a 2019 Lamborghini Urus linked to a $4 million proceed of crime in the United States.
According to a statement issued by EOCO on on Thursday, the vehicle had been identified by the FBI and the US Justice Department as part of proceeds of crime involving one Nana Kwabena Amuah, a Ghanaian currently serving a jail term in the US.
EOCO explained that the investigation was part of a wider collaboration with American authorities aimed at uncovering possible co-conspirators in Ghana and recovering proceeds of the crime.
“The investigation forms part of a larger investigation regarding possible co-conspirators in the $4m crime which occurred in the US involving some Ghanaians and recoveries of the proceeds of the crime,” the statement noted.
The release further disclosed that the Lamborghini was seized in Ghana around May 2025 while in Shatta Wale’s possession. A US District Court in Kentucky had earlier ordered the forfeiture of the vehicle to the US government as restitution for the crime committed by Nana Kwabena Amuah.
“On August 15, 2025, a United States District Court of the Eastern District of Kentucky, Central Division of Lexington in a criminal case of the United States of America vs. Nana Kwabena Amuah issued an order Forfeiting Substitute Asset on the Lamborghini Urus in question, authorising the US Government to take possession of the said vehicle in Ghana as restitution for the crime,” the statement read.
EOCO stated that the artist had publicly claimed to have purchased the car for $150,000 from an unidentified party, prompting the office to invite him for questioning. After rescheduling, Shatta Wale reported to EOCO headquarters on August 20, where he was interrogated for several hours.
The statement added that the musician initially declined to cooperate until his lawyer arrived.
“Counsel for Charles Nii Armah Mensah, indicated to EOCO officers that they would prefer to report at 11am. EOCO readjusted its schedule to align with their time. Shortly before 11am, Counsel for Nii Armah called EOCO to claim that his client was not available and that he was also busy. EOCO indicated to Counsel that he and his client were expected to report as scheduled.”
Shatta Wale was granted bail the same evening, set at GH¢10 million with two sureties to be justified. EOCO said it would carry out surety inspection before his release from custody.
Despite his public claims, EOCO revealed that the musician was unable to provide credible details about the source of the vehicle.
“So far, Charles Nii Armah Mensah has been unable to identify the person from whom he purchased the said Lamborghini Urus vehicle except to say that he purchased it from the ‘Street’ and from someone possibly called ‘ZAK’ who may have contacted him on WhatsApp but whose identity he does not know and whose contact he has thrown away,” the release stated.
The agency also confirmed that Shatta Wale had no purchase receipts or transfer documents for the car, only a custom declaration document bearing the name of convicted fraudster Nana Kwabena Amuah.
EOCO reiterated its commitment to working with international partners to ensure accountability and the recovery of criminal proceeds.
