Police arrest the leader of a mobile phone snatching syndicate in Accra

A sustained intelligence-led surveillance operation conducted by the police has resulted in the apprehension of a suspect allegedly operating a mobile phone snatching syndicate.

Joseph Nii Amamu Offei, also known by the aliases Gaza and Hero, was initially taken into custody near Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra on Saturday, April 4, 2026, and was subsequently interrogated at the Kaneshie Police Station.

However, further investigation revealed that one of his victims had filed a complaint at the Darkuman Police Station, prompting his transfer to that station, where he is currently cooperating with the investigation.

According to sources cited by Citi News, the suspect would approach unsuspecting individuals and feign familiarity with them, then attempt to provide his phone number to the victim for onward submission to a relative, intentionally providing an inactive telephone number.

He will subsequently request the victim's phone, allegedly to enter the correct digit, but will speed off on his motorbike.

According to security sources, several surveillance cameras have captured the suspect on multiple occasions.

During his arrest, five assorted mobile phones were confiscated from him. The suspect is scheduled to appear in court on Monday.

The suspect has a prior conviction for a robbery incident involving large sums of cash in various denominations, which occurred roughly three years ago.

SOURCE: citinewsroom