
The Ghana government has initiated formal legal and diplomatic steps to extradite Yaytseslav Trahov, also known in some reports as Vladislav Luilkov, following allegations that he secretly filmed sexual encounters with Ghanaian women and distributed the footage online without consent.
What began as a viral social media scandal has now escalated into a high-profile international legal case, raising serious concerns about digital privacy, cybercrime, and the protection of women in the digital age.
From Online Outrage to State Action
Public outrage erupted after videos allegedly linked to Trahov surfaced on social media platforms, showing intimate encounters reportedly recorded without the knowledge or consent of the women involved. The Ghanaian government has since moved decisively to pursue accountability through formal legal channels.
On February 14, 2026, Ghana’s Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Samuel Nartey George, announced that the state had begun the process of seeking the suspect’s return to Ghana to face prosecution.
Extradition Request
Minister George confirmed that Ghana is formally pursuing extradition, despite early indications that the suspect may have already left the country. As part of the process, the Ghanaian government summoned the Russian Ambassador to Accra to request cooperation. While the Russian Embassy acknowledged awareness of the allegations, legal experts note that Russia’s constitution generally prohibits the extradition of its own citizens, potentially complicating the process.
Interpol Alert
Ghanaian authorities have activated Interpol mechanisms to help track Trahov’s movements and share intelligence with international law enforcement agencies. Officials have stated that if extradition proves impossible, Ghana intends to prosecute the suspect in absentia, ensuring that the alleged crimes are formally recorded and adjudicated under Ghanaian law.
Secret Recording Method
Investigators say Trahov allegedly used camera-equipped sunglasses to covertly record intimate encounters, a tactic designed to evade detection. The videos were reportedly shared across multiple platforms, including TikTok, YouTube, and a paid private Telegram channel, raising concerns about the monetization of non-consensual content.
Authorities say the investigation has uncovered a broader pattern of similar conduct in Kenya, where law enforcement agencies are also reportedly pursuing related inquiries.
Cybersecurity Act, 2020
Trahov is expected to face charges under Section 67 of Ghana’s Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), which criminalizes the recording, possession, and distribution of intimate images without consent.
-
Maximum penalty: Up to 25 years in prison upon conviction.
Warning to the Public
Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has issued a strong public advisory warning that sharing, forwarding, or reposting the videos—even out of curiosity—is also a criminal offense. Violators face one to three years’ imprisonment under the same law.
The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection is reportedly providing psychosocial counseling and legal assistance to the women affected. Government officials have emphasized that protecting victims’ dignity and mental well-being remains a top priority.
Source: Omanghana




