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Ghana Police and Cyber Experts Uncover Full Scope of Russian Man’s Intimate Videos

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The veil of anonymity that shielded the Russian national at the centre of a viral intimate video scandal has been definitively torn away.

With the confirmed identity of 36-year-old Vladislav Aleksandrovich Liulkov now public, Ghanaian authorities have escalated their response from diplomatic protest to a full-scale, multi-agency investigation aimed at uncovering the complete scope of his alleged crimes and securing justice for the women involved.

The investigation, led by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service in partnership with the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), has moved into high gear.

Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, announced that the government is now actively pursuing an international arrest warrant through INTERPOL. This marks a significant step, signaling Ghana’s determination to bring Liulkov to account regardless of his current location in Russia, a country with which Ghana has no bilateral extradition treaty.

The Digital Trail and the Full Extent of the Crimes

Central to the investigation is the method Liulkov allegedly employed: camera-equipped smart glasses that allowed him to record intimate encounters without the knowledge or consent of the women involved.

Investigators are working to trace the full extent of his digital footprint, including the content he distributed on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and a private Telegram channel where full videos were reportedly sold for a monthly subscription fee.

Crucially, the investigation has revealed a pattern of violation that extends beyond the non-consensual recording of intimate acts. Minister George disclosed that cybersecurity experts have uncovered evidence showing that not all the women whose images were circulated had any intimate involvement with Liulkov.

“Some of the cases that have come to us show that he barely met the women at the malls, said hi to them, engaged them, and there is actually no video, per the work cyber security has done in some of those instances of him and those ladies beyond the mall encounters,” the Minister explained . Despite this, Liulkov allegedly portrayed these women online as sexual conquests, “splashed their images as though he had intimate encounters with all of these ladies”.

This revelation adds potential charges of defamation and digital impersonation to the case.

Investigative Challenges and Technical Pathways

As the investigation deepens, authorities are confronting the complexities of cybercrime in a borderless digital world. Abubakari Saddiq, a leading member of the Cybersecurity Experts Association of Ghana, has shed light on the technical pathways available to investigators. Even when suspects use tools like VPNs to mask their activities, Saddiq notes that digital footprints persist.

“There are always technical and legal pathways to trace activity. Nothing online is truly invisible,” Saddiq stated, explaining that law enforcement can collaborate with international platform providers such as Meta (parent company of Facebook and Instagram) or X through robust legal processes.

Subpoenas under Ghana’s Electronic Transactions Act, 2008, can be used to retrieve user data and IP logs, potentially revealing the full network of those who accessed, shared, or profited from the illegal content.

This technical capacity will be crucial as investigators work to identify not only Liulkov’s activities but also any Ghanaian nationals who may have shared, redistributed, or monetized the material. As Minister George has previously warned, “Any individual, including Ghanaian nationals, who has shared, rebroadcast, or redistributed the illegal material is also liable under our laws.”

A Coordinated Government Response

The investigation is being supported by a whole-of-government approach. Following a closed-door meeting with Russian Ambassador Sergei Berdnikov on February 17, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs formally registered the government’s strong displeasure and sought Russia’s cooperation.

While the Ambassador initially expressed Russia’s willingness to cooperate, he also noted that authorities in Moscow were investigating similar activities allegedly linked to the same individual in other countries.

On the domestic front, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, led by Minister Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has established a dedicated victim support desk equipped with clinical professionals to provide psychological and emotional assistance to affected women.

“To victims affected by this act, the Gender Children and Social Protection Ministry has a victim support desk set up fully equipped with clinical professionals to provide all the psychological and emotional support you need. Be assured that all these will be done in confidence,” Dr. Lartey announced .

The Gender Minister also issued a powerful appeal to the public to cease sharing the illicit material, warning of the profound harm it causes.

“I will urge us to stop sharing the pictures and the videos. It is not good; you might think that it is fun sharing it, but from where I sit, people can lose their lives because of that. Their entire future can be wiped away because of that,” she stated.

The Legal Framework

Under Ghana’s Cybersecurity Act 2020 (Act 1038), Section 67, the non-consensual capture and distribution of intimate images carries a penalty of up to 25 years in prison. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing this law to the fullest extent and has urged any additional victims who have not yet come forward to contact the Ministry of Gender’s support desk for confidential assistance.

What Remains Unknown

Despite the significant progress, key questions remain unanswered. Will Russian authorities cooperate fully with Ghana’s INTERPOL request? Can Liulkov be apprehended if he leaves Russian territory? What will happen to the digital platforms that hosted and profited from the illegal content? And most critically, for the women whose lives have been irrevocably altered, will justice be swift enough to match the scale of their violation?

As the investigation continues, one thing is clear: Ghanaian authorities are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of accountability. The confirmation of Vladislav Liulkov‘s identity is not the end of the storyโ€”it is the beginning of a complex pursuit of justice in the digital age.

Ghana News

Ghana Leads African Central Banks in Gold Reserve Accumulation as Global Buying Wave Hits $2 Billion

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Accra, Ghana โ€“ Ghana has emerged as one of the most active African central banks in the global gold accumulation surge, joining a broader shift by emerging market nations seeking to diversify reserves and shield economies from currency volatility and geopolitical risks.

According to the latest data, central banks worldwide purchased 27 tonnes of gold in February 2026, valued at approximately $2 billion.

While the bulk of demand continues to come from major players such as China, Poland, Kazakhstan, and Turkey, African central banks are gradually increasing their participation. Ghana stood out last year for aggressively boosting its gold reserves to support the cedi and strengthen its balance sheet amid economic challenges.

The move reflects a deliberate strategy to reduce reliance on traditional foreign currencies and build a more resilient reserve base.

Other African nations are also showing strategic interest. Uganda has launched a domestic gold purchasing programme targeting at least 100 kilograms over four months, while Kenya โ€” despite holding just 0.02 tonnes โ€” has signalled plans for gradual accumulation. Zimbabwe continues experimenting with gold-backed instruments, and the Democratic Republic of Congo aims to formalize 15 tonnes of artisanal gold production in 2026.

These efforts, though still modest compared to global leaders, signal a growing continental recognition of goldโ€™s role as a hedge in uncertain times.

Analysts say this African participation, led by Ghana, aligns with a wider global trend where central banks are treating gold as a strategic asset rather than a relic of the past.

For Ghana, continued accumulation could further stabilise the cedi, enhance macroeconomic credibility, and support the countryโ€™s ambition to capture more value from its rich gold resources through strategic reserve management.

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Ghana News

LGBTQ Debate Intensifies After Mahama Comments, Moodyโ€™s Upgrades Ghana Outlook and Other Big Stories Today

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We have curated the most relevant stories from Ghana for your enjoyment and awareness. From renewed calls on the controversial Anti-LGBTQ bill and a significant credit rating upgrade, to traditional leadership disputes and maritime security operations, these developments reflect the key political, economic, and social conversations shaping the country this morning.


It Remains a Priority โ€“ Sam George on Anti-LGBTQ Bill
Ningo-Prampram MP Sam George has reaffirmed that the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill remains a top priority for him and many Ghanaians. Speaking in a recent interview, the outspoken NDC legislator took a stance that challenges his boss’s (President Mahama), stating that the bill is not a distraction but a necessary piece of legislation to protect Ghanaian cultural and family values. He expressed confidence that the bill would eventually be passed, despite delays, and urged supporters to remain patient while the legislative process is followed. George stated that the bill enjoys broad public support and that he would continue to champion it until it becomes law.
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Rev. Ntim Fordjour Urges Mahama to Issue Directive to Fast-Track Anti-LGBTQ Bill
Deputy Minority Leader Rev. John Ntim Fordjour has called on President John Dramani Mahama to issue a directive to fast-track the passage of the Anti-LGBTQ bill. The NPP MP argued that the legislation reflects the will of the Ghanaian people and should not be allowed to drag on indefinitely. He urged the President to demonstrate leadership by ensuring the bill is prioritised in Parliament, warning that further delays could erode public trust in the governmentโ€™s commitment to moral and cultural issues.
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President Mahama Nominates Pamela Graham as New Auditor-General
President John Dramani Mahama has nominated Pamela Graham as the new Auditor-General of Ghana. The nomination, which has been forwarded to Parliament for approval, is expected to bring fresh leadership to the countryโ€™s supreme audit institution. Graham is widely regarded as a seasoned professional with extensive experience in public financial management and auditing. If confirmed, her appointment will be closely watched as the government continues efforts to strengthen transparency and accountability in public finances.
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Etweresohene Stripped of Title, Barred from Ofori Panin Fie Over Alleged Rebellion
The Etweresohene has been stripped of his title and barred from the Ofori Panin Fie (the palace of the Okyenhene) following allegations of rebellion and disloyalty. The traditional council took the decision after what it described as persistent acts of insubordination and attempts to undermine the authority of the Okyenhene. The development has generated significant interest in traditional circles and highlights ongoing tensions within some traditional structures in the Eastern Region.
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Moodyโ€™s Upgrades Ghanaโ€™s Outlook to Positive, Affirms Caa1 Rating
Global ratings agency Moodyโ€™s has upgraded Ghanaโ€™s outlook to positive while affirming the countryโ€™s long-term issuer rating at Caa1. The upgrade reflects improving fiscal performance, debt management efforts, and signs of economic stabilisation. However, Moodyโ€™s cautioned that risks remain, particularly from external shocks such as global fuel price volatility. The positive outlook signals growing confidence in Ghanaโ€™s reform trajectory and could improve the countryโ€™s access to international capital markets.
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Mahama to Headline The Africa Debate 2026
President John Dramani Mahama has been confirmed as the headline speaker at The Africa Debate 2026, a major continental platform for discussing Africaโ€™s most pressing issues. The event is expected to bring together African leaders, policymakers, and thought leaders to engage on topics ranging from economic transformation to governance and regional integration. Mahamaโ€™s selection underscores his growing stature as a key voice on African affairs.
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Navy Seizes Eight Unregistered Boats at New Takoradi
The Ghana Navy has seized eight unregistered boats during a routine patrol at New Takoradi. The operation forms part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal fishing and unregulated maritime activities along Ghanaโ€™s coastline. The vessels have been impounded, and investigations are underway to determine the owners and intended use of the boats. The Navy has reiterated its commitment to protecting Ghanaโ€™s marine resources and enforcing maritime laws.
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Ghana News

Catholic Bishops Reject Trivialization of LGBTQ+ Debate by Mahama Government: ‘Nations Do Not Live by Bread Alone’

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ACCRA โ€“ Ghanaโ€™s Catholic Bishops have issued a forceful pastoral statement urging citizens and leaders alike to treat the ongoing LGBTQ+ debate with the seriousness it deserves.

In the statement, the Bishops warned against dismissing the issue as a minor national concern.

Released on April 10, 2026, the statement from the Ghana Catholic Bishopsโ€™ Conference (GCBC) directly responds to recent remarks by President John Dramani Mahama and Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who, in separate public statements, suggested the matter is not a major national priority.

โ€œNo question that touches the structure of human identity, family life, and social continuity can be trivial,โ€ the bishops declared.

Values as the Invisible Architecture of Nations

While acknowledging Ghanaโ€™s pressing economic challenges, the Conference rejected any attempt to separate moral questions from national development.

โ€œNations do not live by bread alone,โ€ the statement reads. โ€œThey are sustained also by the invisible architecture of values.โ€

The bishops called for a balanced approach to the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, urging that it uphold both human dignity and the institution of the family.

Clear Condemnation of Discrimination

In a significant passage, the GCBC firmly condemned all forms of discrimination against individuals regardless of sexual orientation.

โ€œNo individual, regardless of sexual orientation or identity, may be subjected to violence, hatred, or unjust discrimination,โ€ the bishops stated.

However, they simultaneously reaffirmed their position on traditional family values, describing the family as a nationโ€™s most efficient social welfare system.

โ€œTo affirm dignity does not require the redefinition of marriage,โ€ the bishops added. โ€œTo defend marriage does not require hostility.โ€

Reminder to President Mahama

The Conference reminded President Mahama of his earlier commitment to assent to the bill if duly passed by Parliament.

โ€œDemocratic integrity restsโ€ฆ on the fidelity of leaders to their publicly stated commitments,โ€ the bishops noted.

They concluded with a call for calm and respectful engagement across all sectors of society, warning that words can either build a republic of trust or fracture it into suspicion.

The GCBC reaffirmed its commitment to contributing to a national conversation grounded in respect, moral clarity, and the common good.

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