Minister vows crackdown on cybercrime against Ghanaian women
The government is treating the alleged recording and online distribution of intimate images of Ghanaian women by a Russian national as a serious cybercrime and is taking legal and international steps to hold the suspect accountable, Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Mr Samuel Nartey George, has said.
He explained that authorities, through cybersecurity and law enforcement agencies, have been working to secure relevant digital and financial evidence while engaging diplomatic channels and international law enforcement partners, including INTERPOL, to ensure the matter is thoroughly investigated.
The Minister was speaking at a press conference in Accra yesterday alongside the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, to brief the nation on actions the two ministries have jointly taken.
Mr George stated that the case is being treated strictly as a cybercrime, citing Section 67 of the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), which criminalises the non-consensual recording, publication, or dissemination of intimate images where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy. He emphasised that consent to a private encounter does not equal consent for publication or distribution.
He said preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect allegedly recorded private encounters without consent, monetised the content online—including charging fees for access and receiving payments through cryptocurrency channels.
Due to the transnational nature of the matter, he and the Gender Minister formally engaged the Russian Ambassador to Ghana, Sergei Berdnikov, briefing him on the investigation and requesting a diplomatic report. The Ambassador acknowledged receipt and said it would be transmitted to authorities in Moscow for further consideration.
Mr George noted that although there is no extradition treaty between Ghana and Russia, the alleged conduct would also constitute a criminal offence under Russian law. He assured continued diplomatic engagement.
He warned that any individual, including Ghanaian citizens, who shares, downloads, circulates, or monetises the illegal content would be liable for prosecution under Act 1038.
The Minister confirmed that several victims had filed complaints with the CID, which is working to escalate the matter to INTERPOL to issue an international arrest warrant. Government is also preparing for prosecution in absentia through the Cyber Security Authority, Police Service, and Attorney-General’s office.
The suspect has been identified as Vladislav Lyulkov, and his Russian passport, which he used to enter the country, will be shared with the media.
Mr George concluded that the Government remains resolute in protecting the dignity and privacy of Ghanaian citizens and will pursue the matter to its legal conclusion, domestically or via international cooperation.
Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey clarified that not all women whose images were publicised had engaged in intimate encounters with him. In some cases, brief interactions in public spaces were misrepresented as intimate content. She highlighted the psychological impact on victims and said the Ministry of Gender had established a Victim Support Desk staffed with clinical professionals to provide confidential emotional and psychological support.
BY STEPHANIE BIRIKORANG
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