Police Arrest Ten for Creating Fake Online Food Delivery Platforms

The Ghana Police Service, through its Cybercrime Unit at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), has arrested ten individuals accused of creating fake online food delivery platforms to defraud unsuspecting customers.

The operation, which took place on October 1, 2025, in Sogakope, led to the arrest of six suspects — Wonder Sakpiti, Sedinam Amaglo, Godsway Dunyo, Angela Agblemekpe, Mathew Aheto, and Fafali Amoah. Intelligence gathered by the police revealed that these individuals were behind the setup of fraudulent food delivery websites and social media pages.

According to police investigations, the suspects impersonated popular food brands such as Papaye, Pizzaman, KFC, and Mawarko. Victims who placed orders on these fake platforms were directed to make advance payments via mobile money but never received the food they ordered.

In some cases, the suspects reportedly gained unauthorized access to victims’ mobile money and bank accounts under the guise of helping them with transactions. Several digital devices linked to the fraudulent activities have since been retrieved for forensic examination.

Further investigations led to the arrest of the main suspect, Elijah Sotama Etse, also known as “Pop Smoke,” along with three others — Elliot Sotama Atsu, Jethro Atsu, and Obed Selasi Agboli — at their hideout in Haatso, Accra, on October 12, 2025.

The police recovered twelve mobile phones believed to have been used in the operation, all of which are currently being analyzed for evidence. The suspects were part of a broader cyber syndicate targeting individuals seeking online food services.

The Ghana Police Service confirmed that all ten suspects are currently in custody and will be arraigned before court today, Monday, October 13, 2025.

This case of digital fraud reflects wider challenges in public accountability and trust — themes also evident in other sectors. For instance, the Health Ministry recently addressed issues concerning nurses’ salary arrears, while a nurse was queried for calling the Health Minister a “drama king” during protests over unpaid wages.

The CID is urging members of the public who may have fallen victim to this fraudulent scheme to report to the nearest police station to assist with ongoing investigations. Authorities also cautioned Ghanaians to remain vigilant when making online payments and to verify the authenticity of digital platforms before conducting transactions.