Popular Ghanaian musician Shatta Wale, widely celebrated as the “Dancehall King,” has been detained in Ghana as part of an ongoing tax investigation following the seizure of his yellow Lamborghini, his management has confirmed. The luxury car, valued at approximately $150,000 (£110,000), was seized earlier this month at the request of US authorities, who allege that the vehicle is tied to the proceeds of an international criminal enterprise involving Ghanaian nationals.
According to US investigators, the seizure is connected to the case of Nana Kwabena Amuah, a Ghanaian who is currently serving a seven-year sentence in the United States for fraud. Court records revealed that Amuah and his associates defrauded nearly 70 public and private organisations across the US through impersonation schemes, romance scams, and phishing attacks. As part of restitution efforts, Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crime Office (Eoco) has confirmed that the Lamborghini will be returned to the US.
Shatta Wale, whose real name is Charles Nii Armah, has strongly denied any knowledge of Amuah or direct involvement in the fraud network. He maintains that he is only the “third-party owner” of the Lamborghini and had no prior information about who shipped the car to Ghana. Despite these denials, his management revealed that he was invited by Eoco and voluntarily presented himself on Wednesday afternoon, leading to his detention for questioning over “tax obligations.”
The statement from Wale’s management, shared on social media, urged fans to remain calm, avoid speculation, and trust the legal process. They assured the public that the artist’s legal team is fully engaged and working closely with the authorities to resolve the matter. At the time of reporting, Eoco had not issued an official statement regarding Wale’s detention.
Shatta Wale is one of Ghana’s biggest stars, known for building a successful career on Jamaica’s dancehall sound and blending it with Afrobeats. His global recognition soared after he collaborated with Beyoncé on her 2019 hit Already from the Grammy-winning album The Lion King: The Gift. This current case has therefore drawn widespread public attention both within Ghana and internationally, not only because of his celebrity status but also because it connects to a broader crackdown on fraud networks.
The US and Ghanaian authorities have intensified efforts to dismantle international cybercrime operations that target American citizens. Just this month, the FBI and the US Justice Department extradited and arrested three Ghanaian nationals believed to be masterminds of a $100 million fraud scheme involving romance scams and email phishing. Shatta Wale’s name now being linked to this operation, even indirectly, has placed him at the center of global headlines.
As investigations continue, fans of Shatta Wale, who is considered a household name in Ghanaian music, are waiting anxiously for updates on his case. While the outcome remains uncertain, his management continues to stress that he is cooperating fully with authorities, and they remain hopeful that the matter will be resolved soon.
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