The Government of Ghana has summoned the Russian Ambassador to the country, Sergei Berdnikov, over the circulation of explicit videos involving Ghanaian women, in a scandal that has now taken a fresh turn following doubts about the suspect’s real identity.
Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the envoy was invited on the instruction of the Foreign Affairs Minister to formally register the government’s strong displeasure over what it described as unlawful conduct linked to a supposed Russian national. Authorities insist the incident violates Ghanaian laws and have pushed for cooperation to ensure justice for the victims.
During the meeting, the ambassador reportedly acknowledged the seriousness of the privacy violations and the wider cybercrime implications of the case, while also signalling Moscow’s willingness to cooperate with Ghanaian authorities in the investigation.
However, a major twist emerged after the envoy said he could not confirm the nationality of the suspect at the centre of the viral videos. He also revealed that the name circulating online is not recognised as a genuine Russian name and may instead be a vulgar or inappropriate expression in the Russian language.
The development has complicated diplomatic and legal processes, particularly as Ghana may need verified citizenship details before pursuing extradition options.
Investigators say the suspect became widely known online after videos surfaced showing interactions with multiple women, triggering public outrage across the country. Authorities say the case is being treated not just as a moral issue but also as a cybercrime matter with international dimensions.
Some reports suggest the suspect allegedly used concealed recording devices to capture footage before distributing it online through paid digital platforms. Officials have not fully confirmed the exact methods used but insist the acts fall within serious cyber and privacy offences under Ghanaian law.
Government sources say Ghana is prepared to use all available international legal mechanisms, including cooperation with foreign authorities and global policing bodies, to track and prosecute the suspect, even if he is no longer within the country.
The case has also sparked wider debate across West Africa about digital exploitation, online privacy and the risks posed by cross-border cybercrime targeting women.
Officials maintain that despite the diplomatic sensitivity of the case, Ghana will continue working within existing bilateral relations with Russia while pursuing justice through legal and international channels.
