Ex-Convict Remanded Over Alleged Romance Scam and Sexual Extortion

Accra: An ex-convict, Michael Tumi, has been remanded into police custody for his alleged involvement in a romance scam and acts of sexual extortion. He was arrested by the Police shortly after serving a sentence at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison. Tumi has been jointly charged with three others for sexual extortion, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, and two counts of conspiracy to commit crime related to sexual extortion. The court, presided over by Mrs. Susan Eduful, did not take Tumi's plea. This followed a submission by Chief Inspector Margaret Ofori Boadi, who told the court that investigations were ongoing, with aspects extended to Nsawam Prisons. Tumi is expected to reappear before the court on June 24, 2025.According to Ghana News Agency, the Police informed the court that two of Tumi's accomplices, identified only as Ramzy and James Afoakwa, are currently at large. Another accomplice, William Ekpe, is serving a custodial sentence at the Nsawam Prison. Reading the facts of the case, Chief Inspector Boadi stated that the complainant, a 37-year-old woman resident in Accra, fell victim to the alleged scam in 2022. The complainant met Ramzy, identified as the first accused, on Facebook. He introduced himself as a Ghanaian from Cape Coast, claiming to be based in the USA and serving in the military.The prosecution said Ramzy engaged the complainant in numerous video calls, during which he never showed his face. Some of the calls involved the complainant appearing nude. A year later, Ramzy allegedly requested the complainant to send GHc4,000 to a person in Ghana, although he had never sent her any gifts. The complainant, sensing inconsistencies in Ramzy's explanations, blocked him on all communication platforms. However, in July 2024, she began receiving nude images and videos of herself via WhatsApp, accompanied by threats to publish the content online unless she sent GHS2,000 to a specified MTN Mobile Money number.The prosecution stated that the images and videos had been extracted from the co mplainant's private video chats with Ramzy. Fearing exposure, the complainant made the payment. She later received more threats and transferred additional sums of money. The extortion attempts continued until October 2024, when the complainant lodged a formal complaint with the Police. Subsequent investigations led officers to Nsawam Prisons, where it was discovered that Tumi had received part of the extorted money while in custody. The police also uncovered that William Ekpe and James Afoakwa had also received funds from the victim. The prosecution disclosed that the accused persons are part of a romance scam syndicate operating from various locations, including Nsawam Prisons, and are linked to over 50 mobile phone numbers. Investigations are ongoing.