Eight Chinese nationals in managerial positions at Sentuo Company, along with two Ghanaians, have been arrested by the Ghana Police Service over their alleged involvement in a cable theft and illegal metal export syndicate linked to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). The arrests were made during a police operation at the Kpone Industrial Area in Tema on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at approximately 3:30 p.m.
The operation, led by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in collaboration with officials from the Ministry of Energy, was based on intelligence that stolen ECG cables were being processed at the facility. Addressing the media in Accra on Monday, March 9, 2026, Director-General of CID, COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, explained that officers raided Sentuo Company’s premises after acting on the intelligence.
Upon arrival, the team reportedly found about 70 employees cutting ECG service cables into pieces and stripping the metal components from their insulation. Several items believed to have been used in the alleged criminal activities were also confiscated
Police said the extracted bare wires were being compressed into metal blocks believed to be intended for export. “The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters Operations Unit, in collaboration with officials of the Ministry of Energy, has uncovered a large cache of stolen Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) service cables and arrested 10 suspects in connection with an organised cable theft and metal export syndicate,” she said.
“During the operation, more than 100 drums of service cables suspected to belong to the Electricity Company of Ghana were discovered on the premises.” Authorities said the quantity and condition of the cables suggest a sustained and organised operation targeting ECG infrastructure. The Ghanaian nationals arrested were Samuel Ekpe and Priscilla Padu.
The other suspects, believed to be Chinese nationals playing managerial roles in the company, are Yuxiaoting, He Jing, Xu Changjiu, Li Lei, Chen Jin, Zheng Ma, Wang Jian and Bin Bin. Police said a 24-hour guard has been placed at the premises to prevent the removal of any materials while investigations continue. The Ghana Police Service described the operation as a major step in the fight against the theft of critical national infrastructure.
According to the Service, the stealing and illegal export of ECG cables has had a severe impact on electricity supply to communities, businesses and public institutions across the country. Police reaffirmed their commitment to working with other state agencies to protect national assets and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
Source: Leticia Osei
