The Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested five individuals linked to a criminal syndicate that stole more than GH¢497,000 from unsuspecting victims across the Kumasi Metropolis.

The arrests come after months of sustained surveillance and intelligence-led operations by regional police.

The suspects, identified as Russell Ekenze, a 29-year-old taxi driver; Francis Friday, a 49-year-old politician; Linus Agwazie, a 51-year-old trader; and two women, Gifty Ozurumbam and Gladys Ibrahim, are currently in police custody and are expected to be arraigned before the court for remand.

Addressing the media at a press conference today, Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Teye Cudjoe, said the suspects were part of a sophisticated syndicate that targeted individuals who had withdrawn large sums of money from banks.

The group allegedly monitored banking halls and car parks, identified potential victims, and communicated with accomplices to execute the thefts.

Investigations have linked the group to at least six major thefts between November 2024 and June 2025, with amounts stolen ranging from GH¢22,000 to GH¢107,000 in each incident.

DCOP Cudjoe revealed that the suspects used two Toyota Highlander vehicles with fake license plates to trail victims and break into their vehicles when left unattended.

A 6-inch T-shaped metal tool, believed to be a master key used to open car doors without force, was retrieved from one of the impounded vehicles.

A key suspect, Cosmas Maduabuchukwu, managed to escape arrest during a police operation, despite sustaining gunshot wounds. Further intelligence led officers to a drinking bar in Kenyase, where he was believed to be hiding. The bar, owned by Gifty Ozurumbam and Gladys Ibrahim, was raided, and both women were arrested for obstructing police investigations.

Preliminary findings indicate that all members of the syndicate, except one, are Nigerian nationals.

The suspects have also confessed to similar operations in Accra, prompting the Ashanti Regional Command to collaborate with the Greater Accra Regional Police to expand the investigation.

A manhunt is currently underway to apprehend Maduabuchukwu and other accomplices still at large, as police intensify efforts to dismantle the network.

In a related development, DCOP Cudjoe disclosed that the Nkawie Divisional Police Command has arrested a 29-year-old man, William Ofori Atta, at Kukuom in the Ahafo Region for his involvement in a robbery and murder case.

The suspect reportedly confessed to the killing of 28-year-old Emmanuel Kwabena Boakye, which occurred at Mpasatia on May 26, 2025. Ofori Atta remains in custody as investigations continue.

The Ashanti Regional Police Command has assured the public of its commitment to fighting crime and urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to authorities.