Social Welfare Department and Legon Police Nab Fraudulent Fundraisers Exploiting Sympathy
In a collaborative effort between the Social Welfare Department and the Legon Police, six individuals have been arrested in Accra and Kumasi for their involvement in illegal fundraising activities under false pretenses related to allegedly 'sick' individuals.
The illicit fundraising operations were concentrated at strategic locations including Nyamekye Traffic Light, Barn Yard, Kwashieman, Madina Reece Junction, Pantang Junction, and McCarthy Junction. The crackdown, initiated at Madina Reece Junction, led to the arrest of three individuals at the Madina Traffic Light. Another group at Pantang Junction was targeted based on intelligence received by the police.
Although some suspects managed to flee upon arrival, they left behind instruments and a defective vehicle used for their fraudulent activities. The police promptly arranged for the towing of the vehicle to the Legon Police Station premises, where the three detainees were taken into custody.
Senior Development Officer at the Department of Social Welfare, Korankye Oduro, warned against the illegality of begging on the streets for sick individuals, directing those involved to the Social Welfare Department.
During questioning at the Legon Police Station, a woman among the detainees volunteered information leading the team to the head of the syndicate. Although the suspect had escaped, three additional individuals engaged in similar activities were arrested with the help of information from local traders in Nyamekye.
Expressing dismay, some Ghanaians highlighted the exploitation of people's sympathy and compassion for the sick by these fraudsters.
District Commander Superintendent Cecilia Appiah Ampofo revealed that the suspects would be taken to the Ministries Police Station for prosecution. The six individuals are expected to face charges in court, and according to the Department of Social Welfare, they are currently in custody at the Ministries Police Station. This joint operation reflects the commitment of authorities to curb fraudulent activities that exploit the goodwill of the public.
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