The Greater Accra Regional Police Command has announced the arrest of a major suspect in a sophisticated vehicle theft and rental fraud syndicate operating across Ghana.
The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Nana Anderson — also known by aliases Anderson Nana Abeka, Essel Kofi Elvis, and Willson Kojo Bismark — was apprehended on April 5, 2025, in a hideout located at Atasemanso, a suburb of Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.
The Regional Public Affairs Unit of the Ghana Police Service, in a press release, confirmed the operation and outlined the circumstances leading to the arrest.
“Investigations revealed that on March 25, 2025, the accused Nana Anderson contacted a car rental partner of the complainant and fraudulently rented a Hyundai Elantra with registration number GT 114-25, Nana Anderson using forged ECOWAS identity and driver’s license cards bearing different names but with his photograph deceived the witness into handing over the vehicle at Community 25.”
Greater Accra Regional Police Public Unit
According to the police’s statement, the suspect subsequently failed to return the vehicle as agreed and, critically, disabled the vehicle’s tracking system, adding that this act immediately raised red flags and prompted the rental company to involve the police.
The statement further indicated that further investigations uncovered that Nana Anderson was not acting alone, as he was found to be part of a wider criminal syndicate specializing in renting cars with fraudulent identities and then reselling or stripping the vehicles.
The syndicate reportedly operated across several regions, using sophisticated methods to evade detection, including disabling GPS tracking devices and falsifying vehicle documentation.
The arrest comes as a significant breakthrough in the police’s efforts to clamp down on organized criminal networks that have been preying on the country’s vehicle rental industry.
“This arrest is a significant milestone in our efforts to dismantle criminal networks that seek to undermine public trust and the safety. We are committed to ensuring that all individuals involved are brought to justice.”
Greater Accra Regional Police Public Unit
Suspect Gideon Baah at Large
Moreover, the statement disclosed that the police have also identified another suspect, Gideon Baah, who remains at large.
According to the statement, authorities have intensified their search efforts and are appealing to the public for information that may lead to Baah’s capture.
The police assured the public that Nana Anderson is currently in custody, assisting with further investigations.
He is expected to face multiple charges, including stealing, defrauding by false pretenses, forgery, and the possession and use of forged documents.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service issued a warning to car rental businesses and private vehicle owners to exercise heightened caution.
They advised operators to thoroughly verify the identities and documentation of all prospective clients and to invest in more advanced vehicle tracking and security technologies.
The Service reiterated its commitment to cracking down on organized crime, urging the public to report suspicious activities promptly.
“The fight against crime is a collective responsibility. We encourage members of the public to volunteer credible information that can assist in our investigations”.
Greater Accra Regional Police Public Unit
This latest development serves as a stark reminder of the growing sophistication of criminal activities in Ghana and the need for constant vigilance.
The Greater Accra Regional Police Command also expressed gratitude to the general public for its continued support and cooperation in crime-fighting efforts and assured that updates would be provided as investigations unfold.
For now, the arrest of Nana Anderson marks a significant win for law enforcement agencies working tirelessly to protect lives and property across the country.
The police pledged to leave no stone unturned until every member of the syndicate is apprehended and prosecuted.
