Ghanaian star Shatta Wale’s luxury car surrendered over alleged link to US crime

Shatta Wale’s Lamborghini Surrendered in U.S. Fraud Probe

Ghanaian star Shatta Wale denies ties to convicted fraudster as authorities seize car in asset recovery effort. Ghanaian dancehall icon Charles Nii Armah, popularly known as Shatta Wale, has had his luxury vehicle, a 2019 Lamborghini Urus, seized by Ghanaian authorities. The seizure followed a request from the United States, which alleged the car was connected to a broader financial crime involving a Ghanaian fraudster currently imprisoned in the U.S. The Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) confirmed the seizure, stating the vehicle was one of the assets linked to convicted fraudster Nana Kwabena Amuah, who is serving a seven-year sentence for his role in a $4.7 million fraud scheme.

Wale distances himself from jailed Ghanaian

Shatta Wale has publicly denied any connection to Amuah or knowledge of the car’s origins. In a social media post, he stated he was a “third-party owner” of the Lamborghini and claimed he did not know who shipped it into Ghana. According to the musician, he bought the car for $150,000 and had valid documentation to support his ownership. “I don’t know who shipped [it] to the country,” he wrote, adding that he had fully cooperated with officials by personally surrendering the vehicle.

Tension over seizure operation

Wale expressed outrage over the manner in which EOCO agents conducted the retrieval operation. In a widely circulated online statement, he criticized the agency for storming his home with guns, calling the approach unnecessary and humiliating. “Bringing guns to my house was uncalled for,” he posted, further accusing EOCO’s leadership of mistreating him. In response, EOCO explained that its Surveillance and Asset Recovery Unit routinely carries arms as part of standard safety protocol, clarifying that the car was retrieved civilly and without incident.

Legal implications and restitution efforts

The Lamborghini is one of several assets identified by U.S. authorities in their attempt to recover funds defrauded by Amuah and his associates. EOCO revealed that the FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice intend to file a formal request under mutual legal assistance agreements to have the car returned to the United States. The vehicle is expected to be included in the restitution plan outlined by the U.S. courts, which mandates Amuah to pay back $4.7 million to his victims.

Background of U.S. fraud case

Nana Kwabena Amuah was sentenced in 2023 to 86 months in a U.S. federal prison for orchestrating a complex fraud operation. Together with his co-conspirators, Amuah impersonated legitimate vendors and created shell companies to deceive over 70 public and private entities into transferring funds into controlled accounts. These fraudulent wire transfers formed the core of the criminal enterprise, and various assets, including the Lamborghini, were acquired using the illicit proceeds.

Star’s reputation under scrutiny

This incident has sparked fresh scrutiny on Shatta Wale, one of Ghana’s most high-profile entertainers. Known internationally for his collaboration with Beyoncé on the track “Already” from her 2019 Lion King album, Wale has cultivated a flamboyant and outspoken persona. While he maintains that he is a victim of circumstances and has no criminal ties, the public nature of the case and the involvement of foreign law enforcement have placed him in the media spotlight.

Authorities maintain protocol was followed

EOCO reiterated that the recovery process was conducted lawfully and that Wale was not under investigation. The agency emphasized its commitment to upholding international cooperation on financial crime and asset recovery. For now, the Lamborghini remains in EOCO’s custody as diplomatic and legal procedures continue.

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