Omanghana
A 30-year-old Assin Fosu resident recently rescued from alleged kidnappers has admitted to previous involvement in mobile money fraud, according to the Ghana Police Service.
Central North Regional Police Commander DCOP Abraham Acquaye said Bismark Amoh made the admission while being questioned about the circumstances surrounding his reported abduction.
Amoh, however, denied carrying out the specific GH¢44,800 transaction believed to have triggered the incident. He reportedly told investigators that a friend used his telephone for the alleged operation.
“He confirmed previous involvement in MoMo fraud but maintained that it was his friend who used his phone for the latest deal that triggered the abduction,” DCOP Acquaye said during an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem.
Police have asked Amoh to assist investigators in identifying and locating the person he claims was responsible for the transaction.
DCOP Acquaye said investigators expect him to substantiate his account and lead officers to the alleged perpetrator.
The disputed transaction reportedly involved a teacher, Mavis Badu Acheampong, who allegedly lost GH¢44,800 from her mobile money wallet and bank account.
Investigators believe a person connected to the complainant later posed as a potential romantic interest and invited Amoh to Kumasi. He was allegedly detained and subjected to physical abuse after arriving for the meeting.
Four people have been arrested and remanded in police custody over the alleged abduction. They are facing provisional charges including conspiracy to commit a crime, kidnapping, threat of harm, causing harm, stealing and sharing an intimate image without consent.
The suspects have not been convicted, and the allegations against them remain subject to investigation and determination by the court.
Police said the suspected fraud does not justify anyone taking the law into their own hands through abduction, torture or threats.
Investigations are continuing into both the alleged GH¢44,800 fraud and the circumstances surrounding Amoh’s detention. Police said he is also expected to be charged and processed for court based on the findings of the investigation.
The case has consequently developed into two related inquiries: the suspected mobile money fraud and the alleged criminal actions taken in an attempt to recover the money.
Source: Omanghana
