Russian 'pick-up artist' accused of secretly filming women in Ghana

BBCGhana intends to request the extradition of a Russian man accused of illegally recording his sexual encounters with several women and sharing footage online without their consent.African and Russian media identified him as a self-styled "pick-up artist" and online blogger in his 30s who had travelled to Ghana to film his interactions with women secretly.Outlets in both countries claimed the man used a pair of sunglasses fitted with a camera to film encounters and circulate the footage on social media, though officials did not confirm this.Speaking to journalists on Saturday, Sam George, Ghana's technology minister, said he had invited the Russian ambassador to discuss the alleged incident.Earlier, Ghana's Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection said an initial investigation had established the suspect had likely left the country.It added that it "did "not reduce the seriousness of the alleged conduct or the state's responsibility to pursue accountability".ExtraditionGeorge said he had asked the Russian ambassador in Accra, the capital city, for Moscow's cooperation in obtaining justice for the victims.However, Russia does not extradite its citizens, except in extreme circumstances.The minister told BBC News: "I have invited the Russian ambassador to Ghana for a meeting."The actions of the Russian citizen flout our cyber-security laws. I will officially indicate to the ambassador our official position."Earlier, he told reporters: "That gentleman will be looked for; we will activate every resource at our disposal, working with Interpol."We will request the Russian authorities – and that is why I have invited the Russian ambassador – to work with our law enforcement."We want the gentleman to be brought back to Ghana, extradited to Ghana for him to face the rigours of our law."George said they would try the suspect in absentia if he failed to return to Ghana.Local media reports that the same man had been involved in similar illegal acts in Kenya.Under Ghana's Cybersecurity Act 2020, anyone who publishes explicit images of children or adults without full consent can face up to 25 years in prison.Authorities in Ghana have been paying increasing attention to online abuse, including sexual extortion and romance scams.There has been an increase in arrests for these offences in recent years.In 2022, a court sentenced a 22-year-old phone repairer, Solomon Doga, to 14 years in prison for sharing nude images of a Lebanese woman.He pleaded guilty to sexual extortion and non-consensual sharing of intimate images.Ghana also introduced new laws under the Cybersecurity Act 2020 to punish those who share nude photos or videos online, especially of women and children, often for revenge or blackmail.

Russian 'pick-up artist' accused of secretly filming women in Ghana

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Namibian Sun 2026-04-15

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Russian 'pick-up artist' accused of secretly filming women in Ghana

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Namibian Sun 2026-04-15

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