Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), in collaboration with the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Justice Department, has seized a 2019 Lamborghini Urus from Ghanaian dancehall artist Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jr., popularly known as Shatta Wale.
In a press release, EOCO’s acting Executive Director, Raymond Archer, confirmed the seizure followed a 2023 request from U.S. authorities. The operation was carried out in June 2025 at Shatta Wale’s residence in Trassaco Valley Phase 1, Accra, by EOCO’s Surveillance and Asset Recovery Unit (SARU).
According to EOCO, the Lamborghini is tied to proceeds from the criminal enterprise of Nana Kwabena Amuah, who is serving an 86-month sentence in the U.S. for multiple financial crimes, including defrauding nearly 70 public and private organisations. U.S. court records show Amuah owes $4.74 million in restitution, with the vehicle among the assets flagged for recovery.
EOCO stated that the car was found in Shatta Wale’s possession and that he was allowed to surrender it voluntarily to avoid a public scene. The agency said Wale expressed concern that a public seizure would damage his brand.
“The car was seized from one Charles Nii Armah, aka Shatta Wale. The officers were professional and civil, and the search and seizure occurred without incident,” EOCO’s statement read.
The agency clarified that SARU officers were armed during the operation as part of “standard safety protocol” for asset recovery missions.
EOCO confirmed that the Lamborghini is expected to be repatriated to the U.S. as part of Amuah’s restitution and that the FBI and Justice Department will send a formal Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) request to the Government of Ghana.
Shatta Wale, who denies any connection to Amuah, has said he purchased the car for $150,000 and provided documents to support the purchase. He has publicly criticised EOCO for arriving at his home with armed officers.
EOCO added that Shatta Wale, along with a former senior officer of the National Signal Bureau (NSB), have been assessed as persons of interest and will be invited to assist with ongoing investigations. The agency may also share its final report with U.S. authorities.
Shatta Wale remains one of Ghana’s most prominent artists, known internationally for his 2019 collaboration with Beyoncé on Already, featured on The Lion King: The Gift album.
