A total number of 141 Nigerian cybercrime suspects have been detained in Accra, the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has announced.
According to a statement made on the Minister’s post, the exercise was conducted by the Cyber Security Authority in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, National Security, and the Ghana Immigration Service HQ.
“This morning, the Cyber Security Authority Ghana, in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, National Security, and the Ghana Immigration Service HQ, conducted a coordinated early-morning operation targeting organised cybercrime networks involved in Mobile Money (MoMo) fraud and Business Email Compromise (BEC) scams. The intelligence-led operation was carried out across key locations in Tabora and Lashibi.
During the operation, 100 suspects were arrested in Tabora, while 41 suspects were apprehended in Lashibi, resulting in a total of 141 arrests. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are believed to be Nigerian nationals. Law enforcement agencies also recovered 38 laptops and 150 mobile phones, suspected to have been used in the commission of cyber-enabled financial crimes.
The team also arrested the Ghanaian landlord who accommodated 100 of the suspects in his house. Landlords have a duty to ensure that their premises are not used to facilitate or perpetuate crime.
The suspects are alleged to have been involved in several criminal activities, including:
• Mobile Money (MoMo) fraud
• Romance scams
• Sextortion
• Business Email Compromise (BEC)
• Wire fraud
Forensic analysis of the seized devices is underway, and individuals found to be culpable will be processed in accordance with Ghanaian law.
The public is urged to remain vigilant, report suspicious digital activities, and continue to support national efforts to combat cybercrime.
Ghana remains welcoming to all of our friends and neighbours interested in legitimate enterprise. However, if you are interested in committing a cybercrime, we will find you, arrest you, and deal with you decisively according to our laws”,
