Ghana Takes Stand Against Digital Exploitation: Gov’t pursues Russian national for secretly recording and circulating intimate videos of Ghanaian women

The Government of Ghana has initiated processes to pursue a Russian national accused of secretly recording and circulating sexual videos involving Ghanaian women without their consent.

According to the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, the Cyber Security Authority is currently compiling a comprehensive docket as part of ongoing investigations to prosecute the suspect in court.

Speaking to the media on Saturday, February 14, 2026, the Minister said the focus of government action is the alleged non-consensual recording and online publication of the videos, stressing that such acts constitute a criminal offence under Ghanaian law.

“What the Cyber Security Authority is interested in, and what my ministry is interested in, is the non-consensual sharing of the videos that were posted online. That is a crime. It is a crime to record a person without their consent and then publish it online for financial gain,” he noted.

Mr George explained that once investigations are concluded, the state will proceed with prosecution, even if the suspect fails to return to Ghana. He said the government is prepared to pursue the matter through the courts, including trial in absentia, and will take further steps to ensure accountability.

“My team at the Cyber Security Authority is building a full docket. We will make representations before the courts, try him in absentia if necessary, and secure judgment if he refuses to appear. We will not let this matter slide. Ghanaian citizens, regardless of their personal choices, will be protected by their government,” he said.

The Minister further revealed that the government is also exploring extradition options to ensure the suspect faces justice in Ghana. As part of diplomatic efforts, his ministry has extended an invitation to the Russian Ambassador for discussions on the matter.

“We want the gentleman brought back to Ghana to face the rigours of our law. I have instructed my ministry to formally invite the Russian Ambassador, and I intend to meet him this week to discuss the matter,” he added.

The Minister’s comments follow widespread public outrage over reports of digital sexual exploitation involving a foreign national accused of engaging in sexual encounters with Ghanaian women, recording the acts without consent, and circulating the footage online.

The controversy intensified after a video went viral on social media showing a Russian man, identified as Yaytseslav, in conversation with some Ghanaian women who later accompanied him to his hotel. Subsequent circulation of explicit footage allegedly linked to the encounter sparked nationwide condemnation and renewed calls for swift action against online sexual exploitation.