The Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) has reportedly detained Ghanaian dancehall artiste, Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jr., popularly known as Shatta Wale, over allegations relating to money laundering, possession of proceeds of crime, and tax fraud.
According to preliminary reports, the celebrated musician was invited by EOCO earlier this week to assist with ongoing investigations into suspicious financial activities linked to some of his business dealings. Sources close to the development indicate that Shatta Wale was taken into custody after investigators uncovered transactions that allegedly raised red flags in relation to illicit financial flows.
While details of the case remain under tight wraps, it is understood that EOCO is scrutinizing large sums of money believed to have been moved through accounts associated with the musician. Investigators are also said to be probing alleged tax irregularities connected to his income streams from both music and other commercial ventures.
The arrest has sparked intense public debate, with fans and industry stakeholders reacting strongly on social media. Many of his supporters have expressed shock and disbelief, calling for transparency in the investigations and urging due process to be followed. Others, however, argue that the case underscores the need for celebrities and high-profile individuals to ensure compliance with financial regulations and tax obligations.
As of now, EOCO has not issued an official statement regarding the full scope of the investigation or the potential charges that may be filed against the artiste. Legal analysts note that if proven, offenses such as money laundering and tax fraud carry severe penalties under Ghanaian law, including heavy fines and custodial sentences.
Shatta Wale’s management team has yet to publicly comment on the matter. His detention marks one of the most high-profile cases in Ghana’s entertainment industry in recent years, and the outcome of EOCO’s probe is expected to attract significant national attention.
