53 Cyber fraud suspects nabbed
Fifty-Three persons, suspected to be involved in various cyber fraud operations in different parts of the Greater Accra Region, have been arrested following a multi-agency security team operation.
The operation, coordinated last Friday and Saturday, was initiated by actionable intelligence from the Cyber Security Authority (CSA).
The intel revealed that young men were allegedly being exploited and coerced into various cybercrimes by kingpins operating from residences in East Legon Hills, Afienya, Kwabenya, Weija and Tuba.
A joint force comprising operatives from National Security, the CSA, the CID Headquarters, and the Police SWAT unit executed coordinated raids on suspected cybercrime centres operating in multiple suburbs of Greater Accra.
During the operations, authorities made a critical distinction between suspects and potential victims.
Nine individuals were arrested as suspects, while 44 others, found operating laptops in their apartments, were categorised as rescued victims believed to have been lured under false pretences.
A significant cache of equipment was seized, including 62 laptop computers, 52 assorted mobile phones, and two (2) pump-action guns.
Relentless pursuit
The Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, in a statement detailing the operation, said all the arrested individuals have been handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service for safekeeping and further investigations.
"All the arrested individuals have been duly profiled and handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service for safekeeping and further investigations," the minister said.
Mr George highlighted that this crackdown was part of an ongoing effort to crack down on cybercrime, noting that some individuals from previous operations had already been handed over to Nigerian authorities at the Seme border, while others were facing criminal prosecution in Ghanaian courts.
He stressed that the security agencies would relentlessly pursue all criminals involved in cyber fraud as they sought to protect Ghana’s cyber image at the international level.
He also advised foreign nationals who desired to come to Ghana to be cautious and verify claims of being provided with good jobs before embarking on the trip to Ghana.
"Protecting Ghana's cyber image internationally is non-negotiable," Mr George asserted, commending the CSA and partner law enforcement agencies for their work.
"We caution foreign nationals invited to Ghana to verify claims made by their fellow nationals to lure them here," he said.
