Shatta Wale Held in Ghana Over Lamborghini Linked to U.S. $4M Fraud

Ghanaian reggae‑dancehall star Shatta Wale was detained this week by Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) amid mounting scrutiny over the origins of his luxury yellow 2019 Lamborghini Urus, which U.S. authorities tied to a sprawling $4 million fraud scheme. The car was seized earlier this month under request from U.S. law enforcement, and Shatta Wale’s arrest marks a dramatic turn in what had been an intensified probe.

Background: The Lamborghini, the Fraud, and the Fallout

The investigation is traced back to Nana Kwabena Amuah, a Ghanaian national convicted in the United States in 2023 for orchestrating a multimillion-dollar fraud by impersonating nonprofit organizations in Kentucky. The proceeds were funneled through shell companies, allegedly funding the purchase of assets like the Lamborghini in question.

In June 2025, Ghana’s EOCO carried out a coordinated operation to seize the vehicle from Shatta Wale’s Trassaco Valley residence after receiving the U.S. request. The star reportedly turned over the car voluntarily but strenuously denied any knowledge of criminal wrongdoing, stating he acquired it “for US $150,000,” unaware of any illicit background.

On 20 August, Shatta Wale appeared voluntarily before EOCO for questioning. He spent the night in custody and was released the following day, 21 August 2025, on bail. Initial bail terms, which were GH₵10 million with two sureties, were later revised to GH₵5 million, under conditions that he regularly report to EOCO. His legal representatives assert full cooperation with authorities.

BBC further reports that authorities plan to return the car to the US to help with restitution for Amuah’s victims. Amuah and his co-conspirators were convicted of impersonating vendors to defraud nearly 70 public and private organisations, according to US court records cited.

However, Shatta Wale’s management stated that his detention was strictly related to “tax obligations,” without addressing the US allegations. In a statement shared on social media, his team noted that the musician voluntarily appeared before Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) on Wednesday.

Shatta Wale’s management has urged fans to remain calm, assuring that his legal team is cooperating fully with authorities.