GoldBod Security Taskforce Busts International Illegal Gold Buying Syndicate
An American named Smart Philander, a Moroccan named Nina Elfseky, and four Ghanaian accomplices, Nana Yaw Sarpong Boateng, Sowa Elisha, Evans Arhin, and Arnold Otutey, have been detained by the Ghana Gold Board Taskforce for illegally selling gold in Ghana without a license.
The Taskforce conducted weeks of surveillance and intelligence activities before making the arrests at the SSNIT Emporium, which is close to Marina Mall in Accra. As required by the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140), the suspects were apprehended while trying to purchase and assay roughly 2.1 kg of gold, valued at roughly GHS 2.2 million, without the necessary license.
The American suspect’s intention to unlawfully refine gold within Ghana’s borders was confirmed by the Taskforce’s discovery of gold refining equipment in their possession during the operation.
In accordance with Sections 23(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) and 26(1) of the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140), the suspects have since been charged with a number of offenses in court in Accra, including conspiracy to engage in gold trading and assaying without a license, and attempting to refine gold illegally.
The arrests demonstrate the Ghana Gold Board’s steadfast dedication to upholding the regulations controlling the gold trading and marketing sector and making sure that only authorized businesses follow the law.
The Ghana Gold Board warns the public, both domestically and internationally, that it is unlawful and punishable to trade, assay, or refine gold in any way without a license from the Ghana Gold Board.
Investigations are ongoing, and further updates will be communicated as the case progresses.
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