Ghanaian authorities arrest 9 Nigerians allegedly running cybercrime networks in Accra

Ghanaian authorities, acting on intelligence from the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), have arrested nine Nigerians in Accra for suspected cybercrime operations. The operation also rescued 44 individuals allegedly coerced into illegal activities. The cybercrime centers were located across East Legon Hills, Afienya, Kwabenya, Weija, and Tuba.

On January 16 and 17, a joint team comprising National Security Operations, CSA, the Criminal Investigations Department, and the National Police SWAT conducted coordinated raids, recovering 62 laptops, 52 mobile phones, and two pump-action guns from the identified locations.

Ghanaian authorities are investigating the nine arrested Nigerians, while 44 rescued individuals have been turned over to the Ghana Immigration Service. Communications Minister Sam George cautioned foreign nationals to verify job offers before traveling to Ghana, highlighting the risk of cybercrime coercion schemes.

Inside the cybercrime centres and how they operate

Officials report that the suspects enticed young men to Ghana with job offers, but then forced them into online scams. Many victims were confined to their apartments, their documents were taken away, and they were made to participate in romance scams or business email compromise schemes. In these schemes, people are tricked into sending money or giving away private information.

Read also: Cybercrime: FG deports more 51 foreign nationals, now 102 in total

These arrests are part of a larger effort to combat cybercrime in Ghana. Previously, well-known individuals like Frederick Kumi, also known as Abu Trica, have been arrested for defrauding international victims of millions of dollars.

Some past detainees have been handed over to Nigerian authorities by the Ghanaian authorities at the Seme border, while others are being prosecuted in Ghana.

Implications for Ghana’s digital security

The Ghanaian authorities emphasize that protecting Ghana’s cyber image internationally is a priority. These coordinated raids signal the government’s commitment to curbing the growing exploitation of foreigners and locals alike in online crime schemes.

The operations demonstrate that tackling online fraud requires both local coordination and international cooperation.

The CSA-led initiative serves as a warning to anyone considering dubious work offers in Ghana and highlights the ongoing efforts to ensure that the country remains a secure hub for legitimate digital business.

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