Leaked videos: Russia fires back as Ghana hunts ‘sex tape’ blogger in explosive scandal

By Tolulope Oke

The Embassy of the Russian Federation in Ghana has reacted to mounting reports linking a supposed Russian national to allegations of secretly recording intimate encounters with Ghanaian women, as authorities intensify efforts to track and prosecute the suspect.

In a statement, the diplomatic mission said it had taken note of media reports in Ghana alleging that a man described as a Russian citizen engaged in sexual activities with Ghanaian women and allegedly recorded the encounters without their consent.

The controversy is centred on a man identified in reports as Vyacheslav Trahov, who is accused of targeting women across parts of Africa and secretly filming encounters before allegedly sharing the footage online.

Ghanaian authorities have since moved to secure his extradition.

Speaking to journalists, Ghana’s technology minister, Sam George, confirmed he had invited the Russian ambassador for discussions over the case, stressing that the alleged actions violate Ghana’s cyber-security laws.

The minister said authorities were prepared to deploy all available resources, including working with Interpol, to track the suspect and ensure he faces prosecution. He added that Ghana wants the suspect returned to the country to face the full weight of the law and warned that authorities could proceed with trial in absentia if he fails to return.

Earlier, Ghana’s Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection said preliminary investigations suggested the suspect may have already left the country, but stressed that this does not reduce the seriousness of the allegations or the state’s responsibility to pursue accountability.

Local and international media reports describe the suspect as a self-styled blogger who allegedly approached women in public places before later arranging private meetings.

Investigators are also probing claims that the suspect may have used smart wearable technology capable of discreetly recording video and audio, although officials say the exact method has not been officially confirmed.

Reports further suggest similar allegations had previously surfaced in Kenya, raising fears the case could have wider regional implications.

Under Ghana’s Cybersecurity Act 2020, publishing explicit images or videos of individuals without consent carries severe penalties, including prison terms of up to 25 years. Authorities say the country has in recent years stepped up efforts to combat online abuse, including digital exploitation and privacy violations.

While Ghana has signalled its intention to pursue the matter aggressively, analysts say extradition could prove difficult, as Russia rarely extradites its citizens except in extreme circumstances.

The case is already generating intense debate online, touching on issues of digital privacy, exploitation, and cross-border cybercrime enforcement.