Ghanaian authorities have intensified a sweeping crackdown on transnational cyber-crime networks, arresting nine Nigerians alleged to be coordinating large-scale online fraud operations from covert locations in and around the capital, Accra.
The arrests followed a two-day, intelligence-led operation that also uncovered the human trafficking dimension of the scheme.
Forty-four other Nigerians, believed to be victims lured from their home country under false promises of lucrative employment, were rescued, detained for protection, and handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service.
Security operatives said the raids led to the seizure of 62 laptops, 52 mobile phones, and two pump-action guns from makeshift offices operating within gated compounds.
Authorities say there is a growing trend of foreigners being enticed into Ghana on the pretext of well-paying jobs, only to have their travel documents confiscated and be forced to engage in cyber-criminal activities.
Victims are often confined in secured locations and compelled to work long hours on online fraud schemes.
These scams typically include romance fraud, where unsuspecting victims are manipulated into sending money to fictitious partners, and business email compromise, in which fraudsters impersonate employers or executives to extract funds or sensitive information.
The weekend operation was jointly coordinated by several state agencies, including the Cyber Security Authority (CSA).
“All the arrested individuals have been duly profiled and handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service for safekeeping and further investigations,” Communications Minister Sam George said in a post on X.
“We caution foreign nationals invited to Ghana to verify claims made by their fellow nationals to lure them here.”
Mr George also disclosed that suspects apprehended in earlier operations have either been handed over to Nigerian law enforcement agencies or are currently facing prosecution in Ghana.
The CSA, working alongside other domestic and international partners, has stepped up efforts to dismantle cyber-criminal networks operating in the country. These efforts include collaboration with United States authorities to track and arrest high-profile suspects.
Among recent high-profile cases was the arrest of a popular Ghanaian social media influencer known as Abu Trica, whose real name is Frederick Kumi. He is alleged to have stolen $8m (£5.9m) from vulnerable Americans through a romance scam. He has not yet commented on the allegations.
In another notable success, authorities dismantled a syndicate accused of defrauding more than 200 victims of $400,000 (£300,000), reinforcing Ghana’s commitment to curbing cyber-crime and restoring confidence in its digital space.
