The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has recorded the largest asset recoveries in its history after surpassing its 2025 financial target by a wide margin, according to Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine.
Addressing the Government Accountability Series on December 18, 2025, Dr Ayine disclosed that EOCO had initially set a recovery benchmark of GH¢200 million for the year.
However, the agency has already retrieved GH¢337.4 million, exceeding its goal by GH¢133.4 million.
He explained that the total figure reflects both direct and indirect recoveries from completed cases. Direct recoveries, which are lodged into EOCO’s exhibit account, currently stand at approximately GH¢194 million.
Indirect recoveries, paid directly into state institutions such as the Ghana Revenue Authority and the Consolidated Fund, amount to GH¢142.4 million.
The Attorney-General attributed the milestone to effective leadership and institutional discipline, stressing that strong direction is essential for public institutions to achieve results.
Dr Ayine further revealed that Ghana has successfully retrieved more than $15 million linked to an international organised online crime syndicate that defrauded Ghanaians through cryptocurrency investment schemes.
He noted that the criminals deliberately targeted citizens and laundered the proceeds using digital assets including Bitcoin and USDT.
Using existing domestic legal frameworks, EOCO froze and recovered virtual assets hidden outside the country.
On November 19, 2025, the seized cryptocurrency was converted by Zodia Custody and a total of $15,191,730.13 was transferred into EOCO’s exhibit account.
He described the operation as a significant breakthrough, pointing out that funds illegally moved out of Ghana had been successfully brought back. The Attorney-General added that processes are underway to identify affected victims for compensation.
According to Dr Ayine, the recoveries highlight the government’s resolve to combat transnational cybercrime, strengthen regulation within the financial and digital sectors, and uphold the rule of law.
Story by Adwoa S. Danso
Source:
opemsuo.com
