Ghanaian authorities have apprehended nine Nigerian nationals in Accra following a multi-agency crackdown on organized cybercrime operations across several residential areas. The raids successfully rescued 44 individuals who were reportedly being held against their will and forced to execute fraudulent online schemes.
Security forces conducted synchronized operations in East Legon Hills, Afienya, Kwabenya, Weija, and Tuba to dismantle these criminal hubs. The joint task force, which included National Security and specialized police units, seized a significant cache of digital evidence including dozens of laptops and mobile phones alongside two firearms. The arrested suspects are currently under investigation for their roles in managing the illicit centers, while the rescued victims have been moved into the care of immigration officials for processing and support.
The operational model of these centers relied on deceptive recruitment tactics aimed at vulnerable young men from neighboring countries. Victims were lured to Ghana with the promise of legitimate employment opportunities, only to have their travel documents confiscated upon arrival. Once trapped, they were confined to guarded apartments and coerced under duress to staff various scam operations.
The primary criminal activities conducted within these facilities involved romance scams and business email compromise schemes. The victims were trained and forced to manipulate international targets into transferring large sums of money or disclosing sensitive corporate data. This sophisticated layer of coercion ensured that the criminal enterprises could maintain a high volume of fraudulent interactions while keeping the primary orchestrators distanced from the frontline activity.
Government officials have expressed grave concern over the rise of these human trafficking and cybercrime hybrids. During the investigation, Communications Minister Sam George issued a public warning to foreign nationals, urging them to conduct thorough due diligence on any unsolicited job offers in Ghana. The authorities emphasized that while the country remains open for business, there will be zero tolerance for those using the territory as a base for digital exploitation.
The successful raids mark a significant milestone in regional cooperation between cybersecurity experts and traditional law enforcement. By disrupting these specific cells, officials believe they have gathered intelligence that will help identify broader networks operating across West Africa. The focus now shifts to the prosecution of the nine suspects and the safe repatriation of the rescued individuals who were victimized by the scheme.
Source: Ghanaian Authorities Arrest Nine Nigerians Over Alleged Cybercrime Networks in Accra