News Now

Kojo Owusu Dartey, a Ghanaian Army Major in the U.S faces 20-year jail term after being found guilty by a federal jury of gun smuggling to Ghana in Barrels of Home Goods

April 30, 2024

485

Picsart_24-04-30_13-44-41-134 — {"remix_data":[],"source_tags":[],"origin":"unknown","total_draw_time":0,"total_draw_actions":0,"layers_used":0,"brushes_used":0,"photos_added":0,"total_editor_actions":{},"tools_used":{},"is_sticker":false,"edited_since_last_sticker_save":false,"containsFTESticker":false}

U.S Army Major, Kojo Dartey Is Convicted For Smuggling Guns Into Ghana, Faces 20 Years Behind Bars.

42-year-old officer stationed at Fort Liberty faces a maximum sentence of 240 months, to be decided on July 23, 2024. The conviction stems from a collaborative effort between U.S and Ghanaian authorities, exposing an international arms trafficking operation. Dartey, the officer, faces charges including firearms dealing without a license, smuggling goods, and making false statements.

US Attorney Michael Easley commended the cooperation between agencies, including the Ghana Revenue Authority and the International Cooperation Unit Office of the Attorney-General of Ghana. The involvement of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) further highlighted the significance of the joint investigation in combatting illegal activities.

“Through a partnership with Ghanaian officials, this rogue Army Major was convicted at trial after smuggling guns to Ghana in blue barrels of rice and household goods. I want to thank the Ghana Revenue Authority and the International Cooperation Unit Office of the Attorney-General of Ghana for their assistance in the investigation. I also commend the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) attachés to U.S. Embassy Accra and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs of the Department’s Criminal Division for their significant assistance to this prosecution” said U.S Attorney Michael Easley.

During the trial, evidence showed Dartey’s involvement in acquiring firearms and directing their shipment to Ghana. The firearms, concealed in blue barrels with household items, were intercepted by the Ghana Revenue Authority. Additionally, Dartey’s role in another trial, where he misled law enforcement and lied under oath about personal matters, led to further charges, emphasizing the complexities of the case.