Gender Ministry vows crackdown on Russian sexual exploitation

The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection has pledged firm action following reports of a foreign national allegedly recording and distributing intimate encounters without consent.

In a statement dated February 14, 2026, the Ministry said it had “taken note of reports involving a foreign national who allegedly engaged in sexual activities with some Ghanaian women and recorded and circulated those acts without consent.”

It stressed that “the non-consensual recording and distribution of intimate images is a criminal offence and a clear violation of dignity and privacy,” adding that jurisdictional challenges would not weaken the State’s resolve.

“This, however, does not reduce the seriousness of the alleged conduct or the State’s responsibility to pursue accountability,” the statement noted.

The Ministry disclosed that it had already been collaborating with the Ministry of Communication and Digital Innovations and relevant agencies on measures to combat image-based sexual abuse before the latest reports emerged.

These efforts, it said, include “digital safety interventions, engagement with online platforms, and mechanisms for reporting and takedown of abusive content.”

It further indicated that the measures “are now being applied to this matter by the relevant authorities,” while confirming ongoing collaboration with the Ghana Police Service and international partners to explore “all lawful options available, including cross-border cooperation and mutual legal assistance.”

The statement follows public outrage over a man identified as Vyacheslav Trahov, also known as Yaytseslav, who claims to be a Russian national. He is alleged to have approached women in public areas, particularly around the Accra Mall, persuading them to share their phone numbers or visit his apartment.

He reportedly used Meta glasses fitted with hidden cameras to secretly record private interactions and later shared the footage on platforms including TikTok, YouTube and a private Telegram channel.

The Ministry assured affected persons that support services, including psychosocial care and legal assistance, are being coordinated through confidential channels. It also reminded the public to exercise caution in both online and offline interactions while authorities pursue accountability.