Lawmaker Arrested over Allegations of US$32 Million Money Laundering

Authorities in Ghana are seeking clarity over the detention of Ghanaian lawmaker, Kwame Ohene Frimpong, amid allegations linking him to an alleged US$32 million fraud and money laundering investigation connected to the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The Asante Akyem North Member of Parliament was reportedly arrested over the weekend at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam during a trip abroad, according to sources cited by GhanaWeb.

According to GhanaWeb, sources within Ghana’s law enforcement agencies reportedly confirmed to GhanaWeb that the first-time legislator is being investigated over alleged financial crimes, including money laundering and suspected “romance scams” involving an estimated amount of US$32 million.

A source familiar with the matter reportedly disclosed that investigations into the allegations had lasted for more than a year.

According to the BBC, Ghana’s parliament confirmed the incident in a statement issued by the Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer Djietror, who said the leadership of the House had begun engagements with Ghana’s diplomatic mission in the Netherlands to obtain further details surrounding the arrest.

“Parliament has become aware that the Member of Parliament for the Asante Akyem North constituency was detained at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam,” the statement said.

Djietror added that “the Speaker of Parliament and the leadership of the House are in contact with the Ghana mission in The Hague for more details on the matter.”