Ghana Police Service Busts Taxi-Based Mobile Phone Snatching Syndicate
The Ghana Police Service has arrested three suspects involved in a taxi-based mobile phone snatching syndicate, following sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance, and coordinated police operations.
According to a statement released by the Director of Police Operations, DCOP Mr. Theodore Hlormenu, the suspects, identified as Sasu Lawrence (45), Richard Osei (36), and Charles Kofi Nti (40), were arrested on January 12, 2026, in Accra and its surrounding areas.
The syndicate, which targets unsuspecting passengers, particularly women, operates by posing as commercial taxi drivers and stealing mobile phones and other valuables from victims. The suspects would typically position themselves in the front seats of the taxi, while a third suspect sits at the back, locking the doors to prevent the victim from alighting easily.
Investigations were triggered by a complaint lodged on November 17, 2025, by a victim who reported being robbed of her iPhone 14 by occupants of a taxi. Subsequent intelligence gathering and technical surveillance led to the identification of a black and orange Toyota Vitz used in the commission of the crime, as well as the movements and hideouts of the suspects.
The police tracked the suspect vehicle through surveillance systems and intercepted it at Weija, leading to the arrest of Sasu Lawrence. Further operations led to the arrest of Richard Osei and Charles Kofi Nti, and the retrieval of a green Daewoo Matiz suspected to be linked to the syndicate.
The Ghana Police Service has assured the public of its commitment to dismantling criminal networks that threaten the safety and security of citizens, and encourages members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
The suspects are currently in police custody assisting investigations, and efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest other accomplices, including individuals who receive and trade in the stolen items.
The police have identified two individuals, Williams Ampong (47) and Frederick Kwaku Gyadu (50), who are suspected to be receiving and trading in stolen items from the syndicate. They sell at Circle and Achimota, respectively.
This particular crime is known as “City Bugu”, the police revealed.
The operation was carried out by the National Operations Directorate (NOD) Surveillance Unit, in collaboration with the NOD Emergency Command Centre.
