In a case that underscores the growing concerns surrounding cyber fraud in Ghana, Jesper Kobina Mensah, a 25-year-old National Service Personnel, has been arraigned before the Circuit Court in Accra on charges of stealing GH¢303,950 through unauthorised electronic transfers. The case is being presided over by Her Honour Sedinam Awo Kwadam.
Charges and Plea
The accused has been formally charged with one count of stealing, in violation of Section 124(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), as amended by Paragraph 4 of NLCD 398, and Section 107 of the Electronic Transaction Act, 2008 (Act 772). Jesper Kobina Mensah pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Despite his plea, the court denied his application for bail, remanding him into police custody. The prosecution, led by DSP Emmanuel Nyamekye, sought additional time to further investigate the matter.
Background of the Case
The complaint was filed by Stanbic Bank Ghana Ltd and represented by its Manager of Investigations, Ms. Genevieve Ama Gadikor. According to the facts presented in court, the incident occurred on July 15, 2025, when a customer of Stanbic Bank Ghana Ltd—a Ghanaian residing in South Africa—reported unauthorised electronic transfers from his bank account amounting to GH¢303,950.
The stolen funds were allegedly transferred to various MTN Mobile Money accounts registered under the following names and numbers:
- Abraham Asiedu (0598633019)
- Stephen Eshun (0544116186)
- Fatau Sulley (0597564947)
Key Developments in the Investigation
The police launched an investigation into the matter, leading to the arrest of one of the recipients, Fatau Sulley, on July 28, 2025. Sulley, identified as a Binance merchant engaged in cryptocurrency transactions involving USDT (a stablecoin), admitted during interrogation that he had received funds via Mobile Money for cryptocurrency trades. However, he maintained that he acted solely as a middleman.
Subsequent police intelligence efforts resulted in the arrest of Jesper Kobina Mensah on August 28, 2025, at his hideout in Nungua, a suburb of Accra. A search of Mensah's premises uncovered a trove of electronic and telecommunication equipment linked to digital fraud. Items seized included:
- Nine (9) mobile phones
- Two (2) laptops
- 108 registered Telecel SIM cards
- 27 empty Telecel SIM starter packs
- 72 registered MTN SIM cards
- 88 empty MTN SIM starter packs
- Other assorted items tied to fraudulent activities
Mensah’s Statement and Alleged Accomplices
In his caution statement to the police, Mensah admitted to being the user of two key mobile numbers involved in the transactions and acknowledged receiving the stolen funds. However, he claimed that he acted under instructions from unidentified Chinese nationals who directed him to convert the money into USDT and transfer it via the Binance platform.
The case investigator, Detective Sergeant James Kwesi Turkson, revealed that investigations are ongoing to track down these alleged international accomplices.
Next Steps
Mensah is expected to reappear in court on a date yet to be announced as the prosecution continues to build its case. This development highlights the complexities of cybercrime investigations and the challenges posed by cross-border criminal networks.
Implications for Cybersecurity
The case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within Ghana's financial systems and underscores the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures. As digital transactions become increasingly prevalent, financial institutions must invest in advanced fraud detection systems and educate customers on safeguarding their accounts.
Conclusion
The trial of Jesper Kobina Mensah represents not just a legal battle but also a broader fight against cybercrime in Ghana. As investigators work to unravel the full extent of this case, it is hoped that justice will be served and valuable lessons will be learned to strengthen defenses against similar incidents in the future.
Stay tuned for updates as this case unfolds.
-thechronicleonline
Curated by Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
