Accra taxi scam exposed: Five arrested over phone-snatching attacks that targeted women

The Ghana Police Service has arrested five people in connection with a taxi phone-snatching ring that targeted passengers, mostly women, across Accra and surrounding communities.

The Director of Police Operations, DCOP Theodore Hlormenu, disclosed at a press briefing on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, that three principal suspects were arrested on January 12 following intelligence-led operations.

They are Selassie Lawrence, also known as Abe, 45; Richard Osei, 36; and Charles Kofi Nti, popularly called Survivor, 40.

Two alleged receivers of the stolen phones were also arrested. They are John William Ampon, also known as Willie, 47, who operates at Circle, and Frederick Berko, 30, a mobile phone dealer at Atomic.

DCOP Hlormenu said the suspects mainly operated in the mornings, posing as commercial taxi drivers. According to him, two of the suspects sat in front of the vehicle, while one sat at the back with the passenger.

“The doors are locked so the passenger cannot get out easily. While the victim struggles with the door, the suspect at the back takes the phone or wallet,” DCOP Hlormenu said.

He explained that investigations began after a complaint was lodged on November 17, 2025, by a woman who said she boarded a taxi from Madina to Adenta Aviation. Upon reaching her destination, the occupants allegedly took her iPhone 14 and ordered her to get out.

Police said intelligence gathering and technical surveillance later led to the identification of a black and yellow Toyota Vitz used by the suspects. Their movements and hideouts were tracked in Kasoa, Taifa, Kwashieman, Amasaman and nearby areas.

On January 12, 2026, the vehicle was detected through the surveillance system and intercepted at Awoshie.

Further operations carried out the same day at Kwashieman and Achimota led to the arrest of Mr Osei, who attempted to flee. A green and yellow Matiz believed to be linked to the group was also retrieved.

The police team later moved to Dome, where Mr Nti was found hiding in a room in a residential house and was arrested after a search.

All three principal suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting with investigations.

DCOP Hlormenu urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police as efforts continue to clamp down on criminal networks.