Police, Immigration arrest 12 over cybercrime
A joint operation by the Inspector General of Police’s (IGP) cyber vetting and enforcement team, the surveillance unit from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters and the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), has led to the arrest of 12 foreign nationals suspected of being involved in organised cyber fraud and human trafficking-related activities.
The targeted operation, which took place on March 12, 2026, resulted in the seizure of the following suspected cybercrime tools: 25 laptop computers and seven mobile phones.
It was led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Malaika Jibril Alhassan, from the Police Headquarters and Superintendent Francis Baidoo from the Amasaman Sector Command of the GIS.
Operation, obstruction
The police report said preliminary investigations indicated the suspects were engaged in the following offences: Internet fraud (Online Scams), identity theft, email and phishing fraud, mobile money (MoMo) fraud, cyber extortion and blackmail, credit card and ATM fraud and electronic forgery.
During the operation, the suspects, identified as Nigerians, attempted to obstruct enforcement by releasing German shepherd dogs against the officers.
Consequently, reinforcement from the Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team and the Surveillance Unit from the CID headquarters helped ensure a smooth operation.
Offences
In a statement confirming the operation and arrest, the police said the offences identified fell under some legal instruments.
They include the Ghana Immigration Service Regulations (L.I. 2245), the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), the Electronic Transactions Act, 2008 (Act 772), the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) and the Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843).
“The operation demonstrates the growing nexus between cybercrime networks and transnational migration activities.
Effective intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration between the Ghana Police Service and the GIS remain critical in disrupting such criminal enterprises.
“The Ghana Police Service remains committed to intelligence-led operations, inter-agency coordination and collaboration and strict application of the law to safeguard national security and maintain the integrity of Ghana’s digital and migration space,” it said.
