The Accra Regional Police Command, in collaboration with the Central Division Police Command, has announced the arrest of a suspect following a series of thefts at the Diaspora Summit 2025, held at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC).

The summit, which attracted numerous international and local participants, became the site of several incidents of theft, prompting heightened police vigilance and the launch of an undercover operation.

According to the police, on Friday, 19th December 2025, the police responded to complaints from summit attendees regarding the theft of personal belongings, including mobile phones, iPads, and credit cards.

In response to these reports, a covert operation was carried out at the event to enhance security and ensure the safety of participants.

Addressing the press on Tuesday, December 23, the Superintendent of Police and the Head of Public Affairs for the Accra Region, Ms Juliana Obeng, revealed that during the operation, police officers identified and apprehended Regan Kwesi Egui-Addo, also known as Morgan Addo, a suspect already on the police's wanted list for previous theft-related offences within the Accra Central Police Division.

The suspect was found posing as a legitimate participant at the event, wearing an official summit tag.

However, upon questioning, he failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for his presence at the conference, leading to his arrest.

He was subsequently detained at the Ministry's Police Station, where investigations are ongoing.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Egui-Addo employs a deceptive method to steal ATM cards.

The suspect allegedly manipulates situations at ATM locations to make transactions difficult for users. After creating such difficulties, he approaches victims under the guise of offering assistance, only to swap their ATM cards with his own.

Investigations have confirmed that Egui-Addo has withdrawn unspecified amounts of money from various ATM locations using the stolen cards.

The suspect, believed to have targeted participants during conference breaks, stealing ATM cards and other valuables from bags and laptops.

These thefts occurred primarily during the intervals of the summit, when attendees were distracted or engaged in other activities.

Following the arrest, the police conducted a search of Egui-Addo's residence in Ashaley-Botwe. The search led to the recovery of eight ATM cards belonging to different individuals. Among the recovered cards were:

• GCB ReadyCash ATM Card – Angela Esi Anderson
• GCB Debit Plus VISA Card – Ishaka Marissu
• GCB Debit Plus Mastercard – Abena Safan
• GCB Classic Mastercard – Ruby Esenam Bana
• GCB ReadyCash ATM Card – Alimatu Inussa
• ABSA International Debit VISA Card – Ransford Ashitey
• GTB Bank Mastercard – Serial number 545441003674430
• Fidelity Bank VISA Card – Eddie Elliot

The cards, which are now being retained as exhibits, will be subject to further investigation. The police have confirmed that they will engage the relevant banks to verify the rightful owners of the cards and assist in their ongoing inquiries.

During a press briefing, Ms. Juliana Obeng, reassured the public of the police’s commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property, particularly during major public events and public gatherings.

“The police will continue to provide adequate security to ensure the safety of attendees during public events, especially as we approach the festive season,” Ms. Obeng stated. “However, we urge the public to remain vigilant, keep their personal belongings under close supervision at all times, and report any suspicious persons or activities promptly to the police.”

She emphasised that while security measures are in place to prevent crime, the cooperation of the general public is crucial to reducing incidents of theft and ensuring a safe environment for all.

The police are continuing their investigations into the suspect’s activities and are working closely with financial institutions to trace the ownership of the stolen ATM cards.