ACCRA, Ghana — The Government of Ghana has formally confirmed that the person at the centre of the widely shared controversy involving non‑consensual intimate videos of Ghanaian women is a Russian national, and authorities are now pursuing international legal action, including efforts to secure an INTERPOL arrest warrant and potential prosecution even if the suspect remains abroad.

Official Confirmation and Diplomatic Engagement

On February 18, 2026, Ghana’s Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, announced that government verification through passport and embassy engagement confirmed the individual’s Russian nationality after earlier uncertainty in public discussions about the suspect’s identity. One of the victims has bravely spoken out in a detailed interview about her experience, highlighting the personal toll of the incident (read more).

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also summoned His Excellency Sergei Berdnikov, the Russian Ambassador to Ghana, to formally register Ghana’s strong protest over the “atrocious conduct” of the suspected individual and to seek cooperation in the ongoing investigation and legal process. Another woman came forward describing a similar betrayal of privacy, further confirming the scope of the case (details here).

INTERPOL Warrant and Legal Strategy

Ghana’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID), working with the Cyber Security Authority and the Police Service, is actively pursuing an international arrest warrant through INTERPOL targeting the suspect, who allegedly recorded and circulated intimate content without the women’s consent. The suspect has also been linked to other allegations involving a foreign woman known as Jaguar Lady, expanding the legal and public interest in the matter (full story).

Given there is no formal extradition treaty between Ghana and Russia, legal experts have noted that bringing him back to Ghana could be challenging, though diplomatic channels and appeals for cooperation remain open. The government has formally engaged Russia through its embassy to ensure accountability and prevent further violations of Ghanaian citizens’ privacy (learn more). Authorities are also preparing for prosecution in absentia should the suspect remain outside Ghana’s jurisdiction.

Public Reaction and Victim Support

The case triggered widespread public outrage across Ghana and beyond, with many condemning the alleged non‑consensual recording and sharing of intimate content. Several women have lodged official complaints with police, and government ministries are coordinating efforts to provide psychosocial support and protect victims’ rights.

The Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection has publicly urged citizens and media outlets to refrain from sharing the videos to protect victims from further harm and humiliation.

Legal and Cultural Significance

The controversy has sparked broader debates in Ghana about digital privacy, cybercrime, and the obligations of visitors and content creators operating within national borders. Ghana’s Cyber Security Act criminalizes the non‑consensual recording and distribution of intimate material, with significant penalties designed to protect individuals’ dignity and privacy.

Officials have also stressed that those who share or redistribute such content risk prosecution under the same laws. As Ghana navigates this complex transnational issue, the government’s actions may set precedents for how states respond to digital sexual exploitation and enforce privacy protections in the digital age.