By Collins Sarkodieh 
The Cyber Crime Unit of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has apprehended a 36-year-old businessman in East Legon, Accra, for his alleged involvement in drug-facilitated sexual abuse and the non-consensual distribution of intimate content. The suspect, Joshua Kojo Anane Boateng, was taken into custody on May 6, 2026, following a joint operation between the Cyber Crime Unit and the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI).
According to a media briefing on May 12, 2026, by CID Director-General Commissioner of Police Lydia Yaako Donkor, the suspect allegedly operated an illicit Telegram channel titled “VIP Sleep Fetish 2025”. Investigations suggest that Boateng frequented nightclubs throughout 2025 to identify victims, whom he allegedly sedated with drugs before committing sexual assaults and recording the acts for online distribution.
The suspect has been arraigned before a court as authorities continue to process digital evidence and verify the substances used during the alleged crimes. The Ghana Police Service has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of online sexual exploitation through official channels.
How did the suspect allegedly facilitate the sexual abuse?
The suspect allegedly used sedative medications, specifically alprazolam (Xanax), to drug unsuspecting women before sexually abusing them. After sedating his victims, he reportedly recorded the assaults and shared the intimate footage on a Telegram platform without the victims’ knowledge or consent.
Information provided by the CID indicates that Boateng targeted victims at nightclubs during 2025. By allegedly using a combination of drugs and digital platforms, he created an environment for sexual exploitation and the subsequent dissemination of private images.
What evidence was retrieved during the police operation?
During the arrest in East Legon, police seized a variety of electronic devices and medical evidence, including iPhones, a MacBook laptop, and a Seagate external hard drive. Investigators also recovered a memory card and an iSafe device, which are currently undergoing forensic examination.
In addition to digital hardware, authorities retrieved empty sachets suspected of having contained alprazolam and midazolam. These sachets have been submitted to the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) for official verification and classification to confirm their role in the alleged drugging of victims.
What are the next steps in the legal and investigative process?
Joshua Kojo Anane Boateng has been formally arraigned before the court, while the CID continues its deep-dive investigation into the extent of his activities. Forensic experts are currently analyzing the data stored on the seized devices to identify further victims and document the scope of the online exploitation.
The Ghana Police Service remains committed to prosecuting cases of online sexual abuse and has reiterated its stance against the unauthorized sharing of intimate images. While the suspect is in the judicial system, the CID is working to ensure all forensic findings are ready to support the prosecution’s case.
The arrest of Joshua Kojo Anane Boateng marks a significant breakthrough in the Ghana Police Service’s effort to dismantle networks involved in drug-facilitated sexual assault and digital abuse. By tackling the intersection of physical violence and online exploitation, the CID aims to protect citizens from predatory behaviors facilitated by social media and messaging apps.
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