Police in Odumase have launched a manhunt for a suspected notorious carjacker, Solomon Siaw Tetteh, alleged to be the mastermind of a car theft syndicate operating across the Krobo enclave in Ghana’s Eastern Region.
Tetteh is believed to lead a group that trails vehicle owners to their homes before stealing their cars. According to investigators, the stolen vehicles are transported to a hideout in Nuaso, Lower Manya Krobo Municipality, where they are dismantled in an unusually brazen operation.
In a shocking twist, the syndicate reportedly cuts up vehicle bodies and converts them into coal pots. Other components such as engines, tyres, and seats are removed and sold separately on the black market.
Their cover was blown last weekend when they stole a Hyundai H100 van from a driver in Nkurakan, near Koforidua — unaware that the vehicle was equipped with a GPS tracker. The owner received a real-time alert and informed police, leading to a swift operation.
Working with signals from the tracking device, officers from the Police Headquarters and the Odumase and Nuaso commands coordinated an ambush at the identified location. Three suspects were arrested at the scene and confessed to being part of the syndicate.
Tetteh, however, escaped minutes before the police raid after receiving a tip-off. His hideout was later found close to where the stolen van was recovered.
Police say efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fugitive ringleader and bring down the entire operation. The three arrested suspects remain in custody as investigations continue. Authorities are calling on the public to assist with information that may lead to Tetteh’s arrest.
