An intelligence-led raid by the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has dismantled a massive cyber-fraud syndicate operating within the Devtraco Estate, resulting in the arrest of 93 Nigerian nationals and the rescue of 73 victims from conditions of severe torture and abuse.
The operation, spearheaded by Deputy Superintendent of Immigration Newman Akuffo, targeted six separate houses and uncovered a sophisticated criminal setup involving 82 laptops, 57 mobile phones, and a stash of counterfeit US dollars and fake gold bars.
A statement issued by the GIS explained that beyond the allegations of internet fraud, investigations by the GIS national headquarters revealed that many of the suspects had entered the country through unapproved routes or overstayed their 90-day visa-free residency.
While the 73 rescued victims have already been repatriated to Nigeria, the 93 suspects—comprising 91 males and two females—remain in custody as probes continue.
Meanwhile, the Comptroller General of Immigration reminded all foreign nationals that human trafficking and residency breaches carry heavy legal consequences.
Under the Human Trafficking Act of 2005, those found guilty of harbouring individuals through force or fraud face up to 20 years in prison, while the Immigration Act of 2000 mandates that entering via illegal routes or overstaying visas can lead to summary convictions and up to two years of imprisonment.
