25 arrested over illegal gold trading, smuggling
The Ghana Gold Board (GGB), in partnership with the National Security Task Force, has apprehended 25 individuals for their suspected participation in illegal gold trading, fabrication, and smuggling activities in various areas of Accra.
These arrests follow several weeks of intelligence-driven operations aimed at purifying the gold value chain and safeguarding the nation’s natural resources.
As reported by the Ghana Gold Board, the individuals arrested, which include both foreign nationals and Ghanaians, were taken into custody during two distinct operations at Dome and Achimota in Accra.
This coordinated enforcement action is part of a larger initiative to combat unauthorised gold activities and enhance accountability within Ghana’s gold sector.
In the initial operation, five individuals, comprising four Indian nationals and one Ghanaian, were detained at Dome Pillar 2 for allegedly fabricating and trading gold without the requisite licences.
The individuals, identified as Bhaskar Jashu, Manog Mal, Susajit Senti, Sardar Prennath, and Victoria Minkah, were operating under the business name Mahalaxmi Ghana Limited.
Law enforcement officials seized various items, including 26 pieces of GRA moissanite emerald stones, 19 rings believed to be gold, and six pieces of 10-karat yellowish metals.
Subsequent searches uncovered a locked safe containing ₵22,670 in cash, three gold bars, and a variety of jewellery items such as rings, cufflinks, chains, and lockets.
An official assay report later verified the authenticity of the gold bars, which have a total market value of ₵453,032.73. Investigations are currently underway to scrutinise the company’s financial dealings and identify any potential accomplices.
In a related incident, a second operation at Legend Precious Metals in Achimota-Akweteman resulted in the arrest of 20 suspects engaged in unlicensed gold trading, smuggling, and assaying.
Key individuals apprehended consist of Gabriel Sewornu, the CEO of Legend Precious Metals; Lucia Al Yaziji, a former diplomat from Belarus; Duncan Finlay Macinnes, a British investment banker; Erik Manuel Belloran, a former American serviceman; and Demian Perrone, an Argentine citizen.
Investigations have disclosed that Legend Precious Metals was operating without a legitimate license from the Ghana Gold Board and had been smelting and assaying gold for export via neighbouring countries, especially Togo.
In a statement, the Ghana Gold Board reiterated its dedication to upholding transparency, compliance, and due process within the gold sector.
It cautioned that gold smuggling not only jeopardises the integrity of Ghana’s reserves but also robs the nation of essential revenue.
The Board encouraged the public to confirm the legitimacy of gold trading companies through its official website, www.goldbod.gov.gh, and advised all stakeholders, including licensed buyers, exporters, and dealers, to conduct transactions exclusively through authorised channels.
“The Ghana Gold Board remains resolute in its mission to safeguard Ghana’s gold wealth for the collective benefit of all citizens,” the statement concluded.
Authorities seized eight gold bars, $112,500 in cash, and ₵64,014, along with various documents such as sales agreements, assay reports, and receipts. Some suspects were also discovered to be in possession of unlicensed firearms.
The suspects comprise both Ghanaian and foreign nationals from nations including Belarus, the United Kingdom, the United States, Argentina, Sweden, and Russia.