Wanted 'ATM card swapper' arrested at Diaspora Summit
The Accra Central Division Police Command has disclosed the arrest of a suspected serial thief, who was on its wanted list, during the high-profile Diaspora Summit 2025 held at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC).
The suspect, Reagan Kwesi Egbi Addo, also known as Morgan Addo, was apprehended in an undercover operation after infiltrating the event.
Police action was triggered by prior complaints from participants at previous AICC events regarding thefts of mobile phones, iPads, and credit cards. "Consequently, an undercover operation was mounted at the venue to enhance surveillance and ensure the safety of participants," the police press release stated.
During the summit on Friday, December 19, 2025, officers identified and arrested Addo, who was found wearing an official summit tag and "posing as a legitimate participant."
The release noted that "upon questioning, he failed to provide a credible explanation for his presence at the event" leading to his arrest and detention at the Ministries Police Station.
Preliminary investigations paint a picture of a sophisticated operator. The suspect allegedly specialises in stealing ATM cards through deception. "He allegedly manipulates situations at ATM locations to make transactions difficult for users, after which he approaches victims under the pretext of offering assistance and swaps their ATM cards," police revealed. He is believed to have withdrawn unspecified sums using stolen cards at various ATMs.
His method extended to conferences, where he is suspected of "stealing ATM cards and other valuables during conference meetings by accessing participants’ bags and laptops, particularly during breaks."
Investigations further revealed that the suspect's access to the summit was facilitated by its open registration policy. The event organiser, contacted by police, explained that "registration for the Diaspora Summit 2025 was conducted online and open to the general public without restrictions, which made it possible for the suspect to register and gain access to the event."
A subsequent search of the suspect's residence at Ashale Botwe yielded concrete evidence: eight ATM cards belonging to different individuals. The recovered cards, now retained as exhibits, include those issued by GCB, ABSA, GT Bank, and Fidelity Bank. "Police will formally engage the respective banks to assist in tracing the rightful owners of the cards to support ongoing investigations," the release added.
While reaffirming its commitment to security at public events, the Accra Regional Police Command used the incident to issue a strong caution to the public. It urged citizens to "remain vigilant, keep their personal belongings and valuables under close supervision at all times, and promptly report any suspicious persons or activities to the Police."
