Ghanaian authorities are seeking the extradition of Russian blogger Yaytseslav Trahov for allegedly using hidden-camera sunglasses to secretly film sexual encounters with dozens of women and selling the footage online.
ACCRA — Ghanaian authorities have launched an international manhunt for Yaytseslav Trahov, a Russian blogger and self-styled “pick-up artist” accused of secretly filming sexual encounters with dozens of women and selling the footage online. Investigators allege that Trahov utilized high-tech sunglasses equipped with hidden cameras to record intimate acts without consent while traveling through the country, later monetizing the content on a paid Telegram channel. Approximately 40 women have filed formal complaints, describing how Trahov approached them in public spaces under professional or social pretenses before violating their privacy. Ghana’s technology minister, Sam George, has officially summoned the Russian ambassador to Accra to demand Moscow’s cooperation, stating, “That gentleman will be looked for, we will activate every resource at our disposal working with Interpol.” While preliminary investigations suggest the suspect has already fled the country, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection emphasized that his absence does “not reduce the seriousness of the alleged conduct or the state’s responsibility to pursue accountability.”
The diplomatic standoff intensifies as Ghana seeks Trahov’s extradition to face charges under the Cybersecurity Act 2020, which carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison for the non-consensual sharing of explicit images. Minister Sam George informed BBC News that he has invited the Russian ambassador for an official meeting to address the breach of national laws, noting, “We want the gentleman to be brought back to Ghana, extradited to Ghana for him to face the rigours of our law.” Although Russia rarely extradites its own citizens, Ghanaian officials have indicated they are prepared to try the suspect in absentia to secure justice for the victims. This case follows a broader crackdown on digital sexual exploitation in Ghana, where courts have recently imposed stiff sentences—including a 14-year term for a similar offense in 2022—to deter “romance scams” and “sextortion.” Further reports linking the same individual to illegal activities in Kenya have raised concerns that his predatory actions may span multiple African jurisdictions, prompting calls for a unified international response to digital predation.
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