Authorities in Ghana have begun steps to seek the extradition of a Russian national accused of secretly filming intimate encounters with multiple women and distributing the videos online without their consent.
The suspect, identified as Yaytseslav, is described as a self-styled “pick-up artist” and online content creator believed to be in his 30s. He is alleged to have travelled to Ghana where he recorded sexual encounters with women and shared the footage on social media platforms.
While some reports claim he used camera-equipped sunglasses to capture the videos, officials have not publicly confirmed the specific method used.
Speaking on the matter, Sam George, Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, said he had summoned the Russian ambassador for discussions over the incident.
According to George, the suspect’s actions violate Ghana’s cybersecurity laws, and the government is determined to pursue justice for the affected women.
“We will activate every resource at our disposal, working with Interpol,” the minister said, adding that Ghana would formally request cooperation from Russian authorities to ensure the suspect is returned to face prosecution.
Earlier, Ghana’s Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection indicated that preliminary findings suggest the suspect may have already left the country. The ministry stressed that his departure does not lessen the seriousness of the allegations or the government’s commitment to accountability.
George noted that if the suspect fails to return voluntarily, Ghana may consider trying him in absentia.
Although Russia rarely extradites its citizens except under exceptional conditions, Ghanaian authorities say they will engage diplomatically and through international law enforcement channels to secure cooperation.
Local media reports have also linked the suspect to similar alleged activities in Kenya.
Under Ghana’s Cybersecurity Act 2020, publishing explicit images of individuals without their consent carries a potential prison sentence of up to 25 years.
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