Five Suspects Arrested in Maltese Robbery of Chinese Machinery Firm
Abena Osei
3 min read
At least five individuals have been apprehended in connection with a brazen robbery at Velotop Co. Ltd., a Chinese-owned heavy-duty machinery company located in Malta, a suburb of Asankrangwa in the Amenfi West Municipal Assembly of Ghana’s Western Region. The suspects, identified as Issahaku Ibrahim (42), Fatal Ali (25), Yahaya Mumuni (26), Emmanuel Antwi (22), and Rashid Abdul (22), were arrested following a coordinated police operation after the gang attacked the facility on March 12, 2026.
The assault began when the armed group stormed the premises of the Chinese company, armed with pump-action guns, a Brunei Mod 84 Cal 9 pistol, and machetes. They took three Chinese nationals hostage, handcuffed them, and locked them in a room before fleeing in a black Toyota Voxy vehicle with the registration number GS 576-25. The perpetrators made off with approximately GHS 200,000 in cash.
According to a statement from Assistant Superintendent of Police Beatrice Turkson, Head of the Public Affairs Unit for the Western Central Region, a patrol team from Asankrangwa Police responded promptly after receiving reports. Although the suspects had already fled the scene, information was rapidly disseminated to all snap checkpoints. The vehicle was later spotted on the Asankrangwa-Sefwi Bekwai road and intercepted at the Sumpre checkpoint. Despite attempts to escape, the occupants were pursued and apprehended by police officers supported by the Asankrangwa patrol unit.
Four suspects were arrested at the checkpoint, while the fifth, Rashid Abdul, was captured the following day, March 13, 2026, from a hideout. During the investigation, police recovered two pump-action guns, 14 AA cartridges, one loaded pistol, a machete, three pairs of handcuffs, two CCTV camera decoders, and two mobile phones. The cash recovered totaled GHS 198,200.
Preliminary findings indicate that the suspects were residents of Obuasi who traveled to Asankrangwa to carry out the robbery. They were reportedly led by an accomplice who is a local resident of Asankrangwa and remains at large. Authorities have confirmed that two suspects escaped and are currently being sought.
The suspects are currently in police custody and are cooperating with investigations. They are expected to be arraigned in court in due course. Police are continuing efforts to apprehend the ringleader and any other individuals involved. The incident has raised concerns over security in industrial zones and the safety of foreign investors in the region.
Authorities have urged the public to assist in tracking down the remaining suspects and have reassured that all measures are being taken to ensure justice is served. The case remains under active investigation.