Ghana’s security agencies have arrested nine Nigerian nationals suspected of coordinating multiple cybercrime operations from makeshift offices in and around Accra, the country’s capital.
In the same operation, 44 other Nigerians, believed to be victims trafficked from Nigeria to Ghana under false promises of employment, were also detained and subsequently handed over to immigration authorities.
Authorities said the arrests followed a two-day, intelligence-led operation during which security personnel recovered 62 laptops, 52 mobile phones, and two pump-action guns from the locations raided.
Security officials noted a rising pattern in which foreign nationals are lured into Ghana with promises of lucrative jobs, only to be confined in gated compounds, have their documents seized, and be forced to engage in cybercrime activities.
According to investigators, the victims are often compelled to participate in romance scams, where unsuspecting individuals are persuaded to send money to fictitious partners, or business email compromise schemes, in which fraudsters impersonate employers to obtain funds or sensitive information.
The weekend operation was jointly coordinated by several 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,” he added.
George further disclosed that suspects arrested in previous similar operations had either been handed over to Nigerian law enforcement agencies or were currently facing prosecution in Ghana.
The CSA, in collaboration with other security bodies, has intensified efforts to dismantle cybercrime networks, including working with United States authorities to apprehend high-profile suspects.
Among recent cases was the arrest of a well-known Ghanaian social media influencer, Abu Trica, whose real name is Frederick Kumi, who is alleged to have defrauded vulnerable Americans of $8 million (£5.9 million) through a romance scam. He has yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
Another notable operation involved the dismantling of a syndicate accused of defrauding more than 200 victims of about $400,000 (£300,000).
