The Ghana Police Service has apprehended seven individuals linked to a fraudulent scheme involving fake electronic traffic violation notices sent to unsuspecting members of the public.

The scam, which surfaced over the past week, involved text messages falsely presented as official communications from the Police.

Recipients were directed to click on embedded links to settle supposed traffic fines. Investigations later established that the operation was a calculated attempt to siphon money from victims through mobile money transfers.

Addressing the media at the National Police Headquarters in Accra on Thursday, February 26, Chief Superintendent Alexander Kwaku Obeng disclosed that the arrests followed a coordinated intelligence-led operation by the Police Intelligence Directorate, working together with cybercrime units.

“Seven suspects have been taken into custody, all of whom are assisting with ongoing investigations,” he stated.

According to investigators, funds obtained from victims were channelled through multiple mobile money accounts before being consolidated by Martha Quarshie, a vendor based in Ada. Her interrogation led officers to Prosper Otumfour, described as the alleged mastermind, who was arrested at his residence in Winneba.

A search conducted there uncovered GH₵4,188 in cash, several SIM cards, mobile phones and laptop computers believed to have facilitated the fraud.

Further arrests were made, including Robert Akplehe and Christian Akplehe, both mobile money vendors, as well as Michael Edem Amemornu, said to have received part of the fraudulent proceeds.

Searches at various locations yielded additional SIM cards, electronic devices, bank cards, and cash totalling thousands of cedis.

Police say the group’s modus operandi involved registering Telecel Cash SIM cards under associates' identities to receive payments from victims.

The money was subsequently transferred and redistributed, creating layers intended to conceal the financial trail.

All seven suspects — Martha Quarshie, Peter Ofori McCarthy, Alfred Kofi Totimeh, Prosper Otumfour, Robert Akplehe, Christian Akplehe and Michael Edem Amemornu — remain in custody and are expected to be arraigned. Investigations are ongoing to identify other possible accomplices.

The Police Service commended officers involved in the multi-location operation across Accra, Ada and Winneba for their swift and professional response.

Meanwhile, the Service announced plans to introduce an automated traffic enforcement system, Traffitech-GH, in partnership with the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Transport, the National Road Safety Authority, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, and the Ministry of Finance.

The initiative is expected to enhance road safety and minimise opportunities for fraud in traffic fine administration.

The Police reiterated their commitment to combating cybercrime and warned that any attempt to exploit the institution’s name for criminal gain would attract decisive legal consequences.