CID Arrests Businessman Over Alleged Online Sexual Exploitation and Assault

• The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has arrested a 36-year-old businessman from East Legon over allegations of online sexual exploitation.
• The suspect, Joshua Kojo Anane Boate, allegedly operated a Telegram platform where videos involving women believed to have been sedated were circulated.
• Investigators believe the suspect frequented nightclubs in Accra in 2025, where he approached female victims and administered Alprazolam, commonly known as Xanax, before assaulting them.

The arrest of Joshua Kojo Anane Boate, a 36-year-old businessman from East Legon, has sent shockwaves through Ghana's online community, highlighting the growing concern of online sexual exploitation and cyber-related abuse. The suspect, who was arrested on May 6, 2026, is alleged to have operated a Telegram platform, identified as “VIP Sleep Fetish 2025,” where he uploaded videos of women he had drugged, sexually assaulted and filmed without their knowledge or consent.

CID Director-General, Commissioner of Police Lydia Yaako Donkor, briefed journalists at the CID Headquarters in Accra on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, on the arrest, which forms part of ongoing investigations into online sexual exploitation and cyber-related abuse targeting vulnerable persons. According to COP Donkor, the suspect was arrested following an intelligence-led operation carried out by officers from the CID Cybercrime Unit in collaboration with the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI).

Background of Online Sexual Exploitation

Online sexual exploitation is a growing concern globally, with the rise of social media and online platforms providing new avenues for predators to target vulnerable individuals. In Ghana, the issue has been exacerbated by the lack of awareness and inadequate laws to address cyber-related abuse. The Ghana Police Service has been working to combat online sexual exploitation, but more needs to be done to protect victims and bring perpetrators to justice.

The use of social media platforms, such as Telegram, has made it easier for predators to operate anonymously, sharing explicit content without the consent of the victims. The ease of access to these platforms has also made it challenging for law enforcement agencies to track down perpetrators and bring them to justice.

The Investigation and Arrest

The CID's investigation into Joshua Kojo Anane Boate's activities began in 2025, when officers from the CID Cybercrime Unit discovered his Telegram platform, which was allegedly used to share videos of women who had been drugged and sexually assaulted. The investigation revealed that the suspect frequented nightclubs in Accra, where he approached female victims and administered Alprazolam, commonly known as Xanax, before assaulting them while they were unconscious or unable to respond.

During the search conducted at the suspect's residence, police retrieved two iPhones, a feature phone, a memory card, a Seagate external hard drive, a MacBook laptop, and an iSave device. Investigators also recovered empty sachets believed to have contained Alprazolam (Xanax) and Midazolam (Versed) pills. The electronic devices have been retained for digital forensic examination, while the sachets will be submitted to the Food and Drugs Authority for further analysis.

Appeal to the Public

CID Director-General, Commissioner of Police Lydia Yaako Donkor, has appealed to the public to report suspected cases of online sexual exploitation, abuse, and cyber-related offences through the nearest police station or approved reporting channels. The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to prevent further exploitation and abuse.

Looking Ahead

The arrest of Joshua Kojo Anane Boate is a significant step in the fight against online sexual exploitation and cyber-related abuse in Ghana. The CID's efforts to investigate and bring perpetrators to justice demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement agencies to protecting victims and preventing further harm. However, more needs to be done to address the root causes of online sexual exploitation and to provide adequate support to victims.