In a significant crackdown on cyber-crime, Ghanaian security forces apprehended nine individuals from Nigeria who are believed to have orchestrated various online scams from their base in Accra. The operation, which spanned two days, also led to the rescue of 44 individuals suspected of being victims of these schemes, having been misled into coming to Ghana under false pretenses.
During the raids, authorities seized a substantial amount of equipment, including 62 laptops, 52 mobile phones, and two pump-action shotguns. This operation underscores a troubling trend where foreign nationals are lured to Ghana with promises of lucrative employment, only to find themselves trapped in gated facilities with their documents confiscated, forced into cyber-crime activities.
Victims of these scams are often targeted through romance scams, where they are manipulated into sending money to individuals posing as romantic partners, or business email compromises, where scammers impersonate employers to extract money or sensitive information.
Communications Minister Sam George confirmed that the operation involved collaboration among multiple agencies, including the Cyber Security Authority (CSA). He stated on X, ‘All the arrested individuals have been profiled and transferred to the Ghana Immigration Service for further investigation.’ He also urged foreign nationals considering jobs in Ghana to carefully verify claims made by potential employers.
In recent months, Ghanaian authorities have intensified their efforts to combat cyber-crime, including partnerships with U.S. law enforcement. Notably, a prominent Ghanaian social media influencer, Frederick Kumi, also known as Abu Trica, was recently arrested for allegedly defrauding American citizens of $8 million through romance scams. His case remains under investigation, and he has yet to respond to the charges.
Additionally, law enforcement dismantled a syndicate responsible for defrauding over 200 victims of a combined total of $400,000. The growing focus on tackling cyber-crime reflects a broader commitment to enhancing security and protecting individuals from online fraud.
