This blog is managed by the content creator and not GhanaWeb, its affiliates, or employees. Advertising on this blog requires a minimum of GH₵50 a week. Contact the blog owner with any queries.
ACCRA — A scandal involving a Russian national, secret recordings made with high-tech spy glasses, and accusations of non-consensual intimate content has ignited a firestorm of debate across Ghana. The case, which has rapidly escalated from social media outrage to a formal diplomatic incident, sees the Ghanaian government demanding extradition and citizens fiercely debating issues of privacy, hypocrisy, and respect .
The man at the center of the storm has been identified in local and Russian media as Vyacheslav Trahov, known online as “Yaytseslav” . Described as a self-styled “pick-up artist” and blogger in his thirties, he is accused of approaching women in public spaces—most notably around the Accra Mall—before inviting them to his apartment .
The Spyware Scandal
Authorities and reports allege that during these encounters, Yaytseslav used a pair of Meta smart glasses equipped with a hidden camera to record intimate moments without the women’s knowledge or consent . The footage was then shared online across platforms like Telegram, TikTok, and YouTube, with some of the more explicit content allegedly placed behind paywalls for financial gain .
However, the narrative took a significant turn when two of the women featured in the videos, identified as Dorah and Serena, came forward to share their side of the story. In interviews, they vehemently denied having any sexual relationship with the Russian man and claimed the footage was deceptively edited .
Dorah explained that she gave him her number only to stop him from following her and her friend around a mall, stating she was leaving the country and he wouldn’t be able to reach her. Serena, a real estate agent, claimed her encounter was purely professional. She stated she met him at the mall regarding an apartment viewing and that when he made advances at his apartment, she rejected them .
“I never had sex with him. I can swear on my life,” Serena said, adding that the viral video cut out key portions of their initial business discussion .
Government Fury and Diplomatic Action
Regardless of the conflicting accounts regarding consent, the non-consensual recording and distribution of the videos have been deemed a criminal act by the state. Ghana’s Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has taken a hardline stance, summoning the Russian ambassador to demand cooperation .
The government has formally requested the extradition of Yaytseslav to face trial in Ghana. However, this diplomatic path is fraught with difficulty, as Russia’s constitution generally prohibits the extradition of its citizens .
“We want the gentleman to be brought back to Ghana, extradited to Ghana for him to face the rigours of our law,” Sam George stated firmly. He has vowed to use every resource available, including Interpol, and has not ruled out trying the suspect in absentia if he cannot be returned .
Under Ghana’s Cybersecurity Act of 2020, the publication of intimate images without consent carries a penalty of up to 25 years in prison . The Russian Embassy in Ghana has acknowledged the reports and the public outrage but has stated that a formal extradition request has not yet been presented .
A Nation Divided: From Victim-Blaming to Solidarity
Beyond the legal maneuvering, the saga has triggered a profound cultural debate on social media and within the public sphere.
The initial wave of online commentary was heavily critical of the women involved. One of the most controversial responses came from popular prophet Ebenezer Adarkwa Yiadom (known as Prophet Opambour), who criticized the women’s conduct during a televised sermon.
“They can’t embarrass Ghana or John Mahama’s reputation. They have embarrassed themselves,” he stated, suggesting their actions reflected a lack of self-respect and proper upbringing .
These comments, however, were met with fierce pushback from other public figures. Dancehall musician Shatta Wale took to social media to condemn what he saw as hypocrisy.
“Nobody should say Ghanaian women are cheap,” he posted on X. “It’s disrespectful because most of you boys here do the same or even do worse when you see white men/Foreigners… Recording someone without their consent is illegal – That’s what we need to be focusing on, not our beautiful Ghana girls” .
This view was echoed by hiplife artiste Reggie Rockstone and numerous gender rights advocates, who have warned against victim-blaming and insist the core issue is one of consent, exploitation, and cyber-crime .
The Cross-Border Dimension
The scandal is not limited to Ghana. Authorities in Kenya have also launched investigations, as reports suggest the same individual engaged in similar activities there. Kenya’s Minister of Gender, Hanna Cheptumo, described the incident as a “serious” case of gender-based violence and has directed prosecutorial agencies to pursue the matter with urgency .
As the Ghanaian government prepares its docket and waits for a response from the Russian Embassy, this case stands as a stark reminder of the dark side of ubiquitous technology. It highlights the ease with which privacy can be violated by hidden devices and the complex legal and social challenges that arise when crimes cross international borders. For now, Ghana waits to see if justice can be served from half a world away.
