Leo Antony Siamah, Deputy Head of Legal and Prosecutions at the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), has revealed the discovery of a highly organized criminal gang operating within the Assin Fosu area. This gang, characterized by a strict hierarchy and specialized in fraud, has been exploiting connections within the banking and telecommunications sectors to unlawfully access and deplete individuals’ funds through sophisticated hacking of SIM cards and account
In response to these alarming activities, EOCO has initiated collaborations with major telecom operators like MTN and Vodafone, establishing a memorandum of understanding for rapid information sharing to support legal actions. Efforts to bolster security are further extended to the banking sector, with ongoing discussions aimed at enhancing security protocols and conducting thorough investigations into bank staff potentially complicit in these crimes.
The revelations came to light at a media capacity-building workshop in Accra, focused on combating serious organized crime (SOC) and its potential to undermine the integrity of the country’s electoral processes. The workshop, attended by around 50 journalists and several civil society organizations, aimed to foster a deep understanding of the impact of organized crime on national stability.
According to a report by Graphic Online, Siamah underscored the evolving sophistication of organized crime groups, which now invest in advanced equipment and employ strategies to embed themselves within society, thereby concealing their illicit activities. These groups have gone as far as hiring specific lawyers or establishing law firms to defend their interests legally, highlighting the multifaceted approach taken to protect their operations from legal scrutiny.
Addressing the root causes of organized crime, Siamah pointed to deprivation, a flawed justice system, and the lack of employment opportunities as key drivers pushing individuals towards criminality. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive understanding of serious organized crimes, as defined under various legal frameworks, to effectively combat these threats.
EOCO’s strategy includes expanding engagement with civil society and the media to raise awareness about the dangers of organized crime and the importance of community vigilance. Last year, the organization took its awareness campaign to educational institutions, underscoring its commitment to educating the public on recognizing and reporting criminal activities.
