The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has arrested 93 Nigerian nationals and rescued 73 victims in what authorities describe as a major intelligence-led anti-fraud operation targeting a suspected cybercrime and human trafficking network.
The operation, carried out at the Devtraco Estate in Accra, forms part of a broader crackdown on organised criminal activities involving internet fraud and immigration-related offences.
According to a press release issued by the Public Affairs Department of the Ghana Immigration ServicE, the suspects comprised 91 males and two females believed to be involved in internet fraud schemes.
Officials said the intelligence-driven raid targeted six houses within the residential enclave. Authorities revealed that the operation resulted in the rescue of 73 individuals who had reportedly endured severe abuse and torture at the hands of the suspects.
Investigators believe some of the victims were lured to Ghana under false pretences, including promises of employment and financial opportunities. Once in the country, they were allegedly forced to participate in fraudulent online activities.
The victims have since been repatriated to Nigeria after undergoing initial screening and support from Ghanaian authorities. Similar cases of trafficking linked to cybercrime have been recorded in recent years across the West African sub-region, where criminal syndicates exploit young people through deceptive recruitment schemes.
Items Seized During Operation
During the raid, officers confiscated several items believed to have been used to facilitate the illegal operations. The items seized included counterfeit United States dollars, fake gold bars, 82 laptop computers, 57 mobile phones, and 17 television sets.
Officials say these devices and materials were allegedly used to run coordinated online fraud schemes. Law enforcement agencies believe such operations often rely on sophisticated digital tools and multiple communication devices to deceive victims and carry out scams targeting individuals across different countries.
Preliminary investigations also revealed that some of the suspects entered Ghana through unapproved routes while others had overstayed their 90-day visa-free entry period.
The Ghana Immigration Service noted that entering the country through unauthorised routes or overstaying visas constitutes an offence under Ghana’s Immigration Act, 2000 (Act 573).
Individuals found guilty of such violations may face fines, summary conviction, or imprisonment ranging from three months to two years. Authorities say investigations are ongoing at the GIS National Headquarters to determine the full extent of the network’s activities.
Warning to Foreign Nationals
The Controller-General of Immigration has urged all foreign nationals living in Ghana to comply strictly with the country’s immigration laws and regulations.
Officials also emphasised the provisions of the Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694), which criminalises the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons through force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of exploitation.
Under the law, offenders convicted of trafficking-related offences face prison terms ranging from five to twenty years, while aggravated cases involving child victims may attract life imprisonment.
The latest operation highlights growing concerns among security agencies about the increasing connection between cyber fraud and human trafficking networks operating across the region.
Security agencies in Ghana have in recent years intensified operations targeting such criminal groups, often collaborating with other law enforcement bodies including the Economic and Organised Crime Office and the Ghana Police Service.
In 2025, several raids across parts of Accra uncovered similar syndicates where foreign nationals were allegedly forced into cyber fraud activities after being lured with promises of legitimate employment.
Authorities say these networks often exploit vulnerable individuals who travel across borders seeking economic opportunities.
Ongoing Investigations
The Ghana Immigration Service says further investigations are underway to identify additional suspects, trace the financial networks involved, and prevent similar activities in the future.
Officials have also encouraged the public to report suspicious activities involving potential trafficking or cyber fraud operations to security agencies.
The Service reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s borders, enforcing immigration laws, and protecting individuals from exploitation.
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