Russian authorities have stated they are unable to confirm the nationality of the individual implicated in the viral circulation of sexually explicit images involving Ghanaian women without their consent.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the Russian Ambassador to Ghana, Sergei Berdnikov, was summoned on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, on the instructions of the Foreign Affairs Minister. The meeting was convened to formally register the Government of Ghana’s strong displeasure over the alleged conduct, which the ministry described as atrocious and a clear violation of Ghanaian law.
During the discussions, Ghana sought Russia’s cooperation in pursuing justice for the victims, highlighting concerns over severe privacy violations and the cybercrime aspects of the case.
Ambassador Berdnikov acknowledged the breach of the victims’ privacy and dignity, as well as the broader implications related to cybercrime. He conveyed Russia’s willingness to cooperate with Ghana on the matter.
However, the ambassador indicated that Russian authorities could not confirm the individual’s Russian nationality. The ministry noted that the name circulating in the media and on social platforms does not correspond to a known Russian personal name and appears to be an inappropriate or vulgar expression in the Russian language, further casting doubt on the suspect’s claimed origins.
The case has drawn widespread attention following reports of a self-styled “pick-up artist” accused of secretly recording intimate encounters with women in Ghana—and reportedly in Kenya as well—using hidden devices such as camera-equipped sunglasses, before sharing the footage online, including on platforms like TikTok, Telegram, and YouTube, with some content allegedly monetised behind paywalls.
Ghanaian authorities, including the Communications Minister, have indicated intentions to pursue extradition and activate international resources, potentially involving Interpol, despite challenges posed by Russia’s policy against extraditing its citizens except in exceptional cases.
The Russian Embassy in Ghana had earlier taken note of the reports and stated it was monitoring the situation, without confirming any involvement of a Russian citizen.