Ghana activates INTERPOL action against Russian man over alleged secret recordings

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Authorities in Ghana have initiated international legal steps through INTERPOL against a Russian national accused of secretly filming intimate encounters with Ghanaian women without their consent.

The action was taken by the Ghana Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID). Officials said the measure is intended to ensure the suspect can face prosecution under Ghanaian law if he travels outside the Russian Federation.

They described the step as part of a wider diplomatic and law-enforcement push to secure accountability.

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, disclosed this on Wednesday after a joint ministerial engagement with the Russian Ambassador to Ghana. He stressed that the government is committed to pursuing the matter through all lawful means.

“Working with the Ghana Police CID, we have activated international legal action through INTERPOL to ensure that once the individual sets foot outside Russia, we have a legal route to make him answer for his actions within Ghana,” he stated.

The suspect, identified as Vladislav Luilkov, allegedly recorded Ghanaian women without permission and circulated the videos online.

Authorities said early findings suggest that parts of the content may have generated revenue on digital platforms.
“This is not a matter of morality or private relationships,” the Minister emphasised. “It is a clear criminal offence under Section 67 of the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), which prohibits the non-consensual recording and dissemination of intimate images.”

Government sources said the investigation carries international implications. This development prompted diplomatic communication with Russian officials.

Mr. George, alongside the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, held formal discussions with the Russian Ambassador, H.E. Sergei Berdnikov. The meeting focused on briefing him about the case and the progress of investigations.

“We had very fruitful deliberations where we presented information available to us in relation to the Russian national alleged to have engaged in non-consensual recording of ladies,” Mr. George said. “We reiterate our commitment to using all legal means at our disposal to ensure that the law is upheld and the protections of Ghanaian citizens are enforced at all times.”

In his response, the Russian envoy confirmed receipt of Ghana’s official communication. He assured the ministers that the brief would be forwarded to authorities in Moscow.

He noted that Ghana and Russia do not have an extradition agreement. He, however, said the alleged acts could also amount to offences under Russian law. He pledged ongoing diplomatic collaboration.
Officials said investigations are still in progress. Cybersecurity experts and law-enforcement operatives are examining digital trails and financial transactions connected to the allegations.

Authorities also cautioned members of the public against circulating the alleged footage. They warned that redistribution constitutes a criminal violation under Ghanaian statutes.

“The public is urged to refrain from sharing or redistributing the illegal material,” the statement said. “Anyone found culpable will face the full rigours of the law.”
The administration of President John Dramani Mahama, according to the ministers, remains resolute in protecting citizens’ privacy and dignity.
“We will pursue all lawful avenues to ensure justice is served,” Mr. George affirmed.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has created a victim support desk. Clinical specialists have been assigned to provide psychological and emotional care to affected persons. Officials assured that all interventions will remain strictly confidential.