The Accra Regional Police Command has arrested a wanted suspect linked to a series of theft and fraud cases targeting participants at major public events in the capital, following an undercover operation at the Diaspora Summit 2025 held at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC).
Police announced the arrest at a press briefing, describing it as part of intensified security operations ahead of the Christmas and end-of-year festivities. The Command said the operation reflects the Ghana Police Service’s broader commitment to safeguarding public events and ensuring that offenders are apprehended regardless of where or how they operate.
The suspect, identified as Reagan Kwesi Egbi Addo, also known as Morgan Addo, was arrested on Friday, 19 December 2025, after complaints were received from summit participants about stolen mobile phones, iPads and credit cards. He had been on the police wanted list for several stealing offences within the Accra Central Police Divisional Command.
According to police, officers mounted heightened surveillance and an undercover operation at the venue after multiple reports of theft. During the exercise, Addo was identified wearing an official summit tag and posing as a legitimate participant. He failed to give a credible explanation for his presence and was arrested and detained at the Ministries Police Station to assist investigations.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect uses deceptive tactics to steal ATM cards. Police said he allegedly targets victims at ATM locations by deliberately creating difficulty during transactions, then approaching users under the pretence of offering help. In the process, he is suspected to swap ATM cards and later withdraw money from victims’ accounts at various locations.
Investigators further believe the suspect exploited conference settings by accessing participants’ bags and laptops during break periods to steal ATM cards and other valuables. Police said unspecified sums of money are believed to have been withdrawn using the stolen cards.
Further enquiries led officers to the suspect’s residence at Ashaley Botwe, where a search uncovered eight ATM and debit cards belonging to different individuals. The cards included those issued by GCB Bank, Absa Bank, GTBank and Fidelity Bank, bearing various names and serial numbers. All recovered items have been retained as exhibits.
Police said they will formally engage the respective banks to trace the rightful owners of the cards and support ongoing investigations. The event organiser also told police that registration for the Diaspora Summit was conducted online and open to the general public, with no restrictions, making it easy for the suspect to register and gain access to the venue.
The Accra Regional Police Command assured the public that the suspect and others in custody are being handled strictly in accordance with due process and with full respect for human rights.
As part of its end-of-year security measures, the Command said it has intensified patrols, deployed additional personnel, enhanced intelligence gathering and mounted visibility operations across the region to prevent crime.
Police urged the public to remain vigilant at conferences and large gatherings, advising people to keep personal belongings under close watch even where officers are present. Suspicious activities should be reported promptly to the nearest police station or through emergency lines 1855 or 191.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and encouraged the public to rely on official police communications for accurate information as efforts continue to keep Accra safe.
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