The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has officially launched an investigation into allegations that a foreign national has been secretly filming and distributing intimate videos of Kenyan women without their consent.
This is after the viral circulation of non-consensual intimate recordings involving local women by Russian national, known online as Yaytseslav.
In a press statement, DCI expressed concern over the reported non-consensual recording and subsequent circulation of these videos by a suspected Russian national. The agency described them as serious violations of privacy, personal dignity, and victims’ rights as enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya.
According to the DCI, such conduct constitutes technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TGBV), exploitation, and potential offenses under the Penal Code and the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act.
As the premier investigative agency, the DCI has initiated several immediate actions:
- Immediate activation of specialized cybercrime and gender-based violence investigation units to gather evidence and trace digital footprints.
- Efforts are underway to formally identify the suspect and any individuals or entities involved in the recording or dissemination of the content.
- Given the cross-border elements of the case, the DCI is coordinating with international law enforcement partners and relevant foreign authorities.
The DCI is urging affected individuals, victims, or witnesses to come forward and record statements at the DCI headquarters.
The suspect, known as Yaytseslav, allegedly moved between various African capitals, including Accra and Nairobi, exploiting his status as a foreign national to lure and record women without their consent.
The Ghanaian Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP) officially confirmed it is seeking the extradition of the Russian national to face criminal charges. Despite the suspect having reportedly fled Ghana.
In a press statement, the Kenyan Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services issued a blistering condemnation regarding allegations of abuse and exploitation of Kenyan women. They characterized the acts as a grave violation of personal dignity and privacy, specifically citing protections under Articles 28 and 31 of the Constitution of Kenya.