East Legon businessman arrested over alleged drug-facilitated sexual abuse and non-consensual video sharing

The Cyber Crime Unit of the Criminal Investigations Department Headquarters has arrested a 36-year-old entrepreneur in connection with alleged online sexual exploitation and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images.

The suspect, identified as Joshua Kojo Anane Boateng, was arrested on May 6, 2026, during a joint intelligence-led operation conducted by the Cyber Crime Unit and the Bureau of National Investigations.

According to police, the suspect is a resident of East Legon.

Briefing journalists on Tuesday, May 12, the Director-General of the CID, Lydia Yaako Donkor, said investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly operated a Telegram platform known as “VIP Sleep Fetish 2025.”

Police allege that the suspect used sedatives, including alprazolam—commonly known as Xanax—to incapacitate unsuspecting female victims before sexually assaulting them, recording the acts, and distributing the videos and images online without consent.

According to Commissioner Donkor, preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect frequently visited nightclubs in 2025, where he allegedly targeted victims, drugged them, and later disseminated intimate content through online platforms.

During the arrest operation, law enforcement officers reportedly retrieved several electronic devices and materials believed to be linked to the alleged offences.

Items seized included two iPhones, a feature phone, a memory card, a Seagate external hard drive, a MacBook laptop, and an iSafe storage device. Police also recovered empty sachets suspected to have contained alprazolam and midazolam.

The Ghana Police Service said the electronic devices have been retained for detailed forensic analysis, while the suspected substances are being forwarded to the Food and Drugs Authority for laboratory verification and classification.

Commissioner Donkor confirmed that the suspect has since been arraigned before court, while investigations continue.

The case has renewed public attention on cyber-enabled sexual exploitation, digital privacy violations, and the misuse of online platforms for criminal activity.

The Ghana Police Service reiterated its commitment to combating online sexual abuse and exploitation, urging members of the public to report suspicious activities through official law enforcement channels.

Authorities also encouraged the public, particularly young people, to exercise caution when interacting with strangers both online and in social settings.

Legal experts note that Ghana’s cybercrime and sexual offences laws provide severe penalties for the non-consensual distribution of intimate content, sexual exploitation, and the use of drugs to facilitate criminal acts.

Investigators are expected to determine whether additional victims may be connected to the case as forensic examinations continue.