The Central East Regional Police Command has launched a manhunt for a suspect allegedly linked to an online vehicle sale syndicate that defrauded a victim of more than GH¢100,000 through a fake car import scheme promoted on social media.
According to a police statement issued on June 17, 2026, two suspects, Chidubem Oba Precious, 31, and Ama Mankye, 28, have been arrested, while a third suspect, Theresa Ziam, remains on the run.
The case began after a complaint was lodged with the Kasoa District Police Command on February 10, 2026, by a victim who claimed to have been deceived after responding to a TikTok advertisement offering a Jetour hybrid vehicle for sale.
Police said the vehicle was advertised by a company identified as “Shipper China Qinghai Hongmeng Automobile Sale” at a price of $8,800.
Investigations revealed that the victim made two separate payments on December 9 and December 18, 2025, totaling GH¢100,323. The funds were transferred into bank accounts bearing the names Ama Mankye and Theresa Ziam.
After making the payments, the complainant was reportedly issued a bill of lading claiming the vehicle had been shipped. However, investigators later discovered that the document was fraudulent.
Following months of investigations, police arrested Chidubem Oba Precious on June 12, 2026, at Adawukwa, a community near Bawjiase in the Central Region.
A search of his residence allegedly led to the discovery of an ATM card and a SIM card registered in the name of Ama Mankye, as well as a payment receipt linked to the transaction.
Further investigations resulted in the arrest of Ama Mankye at Agbogba in Accra.
Police allege that Ama Mankye knowingly opened a bank account used to receive funds from the complainant and later transferred the money to Chidubem Oba Precious. Investigators say she received GH¢1,000 for her role in the scheme.
The two suspects were arraigned before the Ofaakor Circuit Court on June 15, 2026.
The court remanded Chidubem Oba Precious into police custody, while Ama Mankye was granted bail of GH¢70,000 with one surety to be justified by landed property.
Both suspects are expected to reappear before the court on June 29, 2026.
Meanwhile, police say efforts are underway to locate and arrest Theresa Ziam, who is believed to have played a key role in the alleged fraud.
The Central East Regional Police Command has urged anyone who may have fallen victim to similar online vehicle sale scams involving the suspects to report to the nearest police station.
Police also reaffirmed their commitment to combating online fraud and ensuring those involved face justice.
