The Ghana Police Service has arrested convicted fraudster Eric Afoakwa, popularly known as “Chad”, while he was allegedly attempting to flee the country.
According to the Police, Afoakwa was arrested on Monday, July 6, during an operation by the Anti-Armed Robbery Unit acting on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno.
In a statement shared on Facebook, the Police said Afoakwa had been on the run after being convicted in absentia by the Accra High Court in 2019 for multiple financial crimes.
He was found guilty on five of six charges, including money laundering, defrauding by false pretences, forgery of official documents and tax evasion.
The trial judge, Georgina Mensah Datsa, sentenced him to eight years’ imprisonment, with the sentences to run concurrently, and ordered him to refund US$132,660 to the complainant.
Following the conviction, Afoakwa reportedly went into hiding, leading the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to declare him wanted and appeal to the public for information on his whereabouts.
The Police said Afoakwa will be handed over to EOCO to facilitate the enforcement of the court’s judgment.
The Service added that it remains committed to working with relevant state institutions to track down fugitives and ensure they face the full rigours of the law.