The Public Relations Officer of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), Benjamin Madugu Avornyotse, has outlined the progress of investigations into the networks operating scam centres in Ghana, including efforts to establish the individuals directing their activities.
He explained that authorities are working to establish the roles of those suspected of organising the operations and determine the extent of their activities.
“We have identified about 10 suspected kingpins, and they have been remanded and are currently in police custody as investigations continue.”
Benjamin Madugu Avornyotse
Discussing the arrests following the cybercrime crackdown, Mr Avornyotse indicated that investigators seized electronic devices, including mobile phones and laptops, for forensic examination. The analysis is expected to help uncover how the suspected networks operated, identify further evidence and establish whether additional individuals were involved.
The PRO revealed that investigators are still “profiling those arrested to establish their nationalities and determine whether suspected organisers have collaborators operating within Ghana.” He cautioned against drawing conclusions from names or appearances before the profiling process and investigations had been completed.
Mr Avornyotse also disclosed that authorities are examining the relationship between the alleged organisers and the people recruited into the centres. He explained that some individuals had allegedly been lured through false employment offers and subsequently trafficked into locations where they were compelled to participate in online fraud.
The investigation follows a public announcement by FBI Director Kash Patel about a crackdown on scam centres in Ghana under the bureau’s global Operation Blackout. In its initial account, the FBI cited nearly US$10 million in identified losses and 89 victims, while reporting that more than 130 people have been arrested or detained.
However, the CSA’s press release identified the Ghanaian operation as Operation Cyber Hunt and asserted that it was planned, coordinated and executed by Ghanaian authorities, with support from local and international law enforcement agencies. These included the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency and the FBI.
Mr Avornyotse reiterated that investigators are focused on gathering evidence to support further action against those suspected of organising the criminal activity. He added that the investigation would help authorities determine how the recruitment networks operated and identify other people who may have facilitated the alleged offences.
CSA Says Ghana Led Crackdown, Rescued Trafficked Scam Victims
The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has defended Ghana’s role in the recent crackdown on suspected scam centres, saying the operation was led and coordinated by Ghanaian authorities with international support.
The Authority’s Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Madugu Avornyotse, explained that “many people found at the centres are potential trafficking victims who have allegedly been deceived with employment offers and forced into online fraud.”
Speaking about FBI Director Kash Patel’s announcement on the operation, Mr Avornyotse said some recruits were brought to Ghana under the impression that legitimate jobs are abundant. He explained that recruitment schemes could advertise opportunities in different countries before moving victims to locations where they were controlled and compelled to engage in fraudulent activities.
“Some of them have been kept in rooms for up to two years, following strict routines and with little or no knowledge of where they are.”
Benjamin Madugu Avornyotse
The PRO revealed the victims are being separated from those suspected of organising and carrying out the crimes. According to him, authorities are working to establish the identities and nationalities of those rescued while arranging for victims to return to their home countries and reunite with their families.
Furthermore, Mr Avornyotse cautioned against treating cybercrime as a problem unique to Ghana, explaining that online fraud, mobile money scams and other digitally enabled offences have become international challenges. He added that cooperation between domestic security agencies and foreign partners is essential to identify criminal networks, investigate their activities and protect people from exploitation.
Communications Minister Coordinates With Agencies on Scam Centre Investigation
The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, is working with relevant security agencies to address the suspected criminal activities uncovered during the recent operation against scam centres in Ghana.
The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Madugu Avornyotse, indicated that “the minister and the CSA’s Director-General are engaging the appropriate institutions to ensure that the necessary follow-up measures are undertaken.”
According to Mr Avornyotse, the response involves addressing the circumstances surrounding the operation while ensuring that the appropriate action is taken against those found culpable. He explained that the ongoing inter-agency engagement is also intended to facilitate the safe return of foreign nationals identified as victims to their respective countries.
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