The Tema Regional Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with alleged fraud and human trafficking offenses.
The suspects, according to the police, were operating a human trafficking and cyber fraud syndicate at Peace Land, Ashaiman.
They have been identified as Peter Okovie (36), Jolly Ezekiel (30), and Jolly Shadrack (33).
Seven victims who were being held captive by the suspects were also rescued.
According to the Police, the suspects are alleged to have lured their victims from Nigeria into Ghana under the pretense of offering them construction work in Tema.
Upon arrival, the victims were taken to a house at Peace Land, Ashaiman, where they were confined and forced into internet fraud activities.
The operation was carried out by the Zenu-Atadeka District Police Patrol Team on October 7, 2025, at approximately 4:00 p.m.
A statement issued by the Police disclosed that its investigation revealed that the victims were subjected to severe beatings and compelled to swear oaths of allegiance to their captors.
”Those who refused to participate in the fraudulent schemes were locked in a small room measuring approximately 10\text{ft} \times 12\text{ft}, deprived of food, freedom of movement, and basic hygiene for several months.
According to the victims, each was provided with a laptop and trained to create fake romantic relationships with unsuspecting persons in some foreign countries, to defraud them of money. The syndicate reportedly used over ten laptops for these operations, with senior members supervising and benefiting from the proceeds.
During a follow-up search at the suspects’ residence, the Police retrieved items including laptops, routers, mobile phones, household goods, and foodstuffs, which have been retained as exhibits to aid investigations. The victims, who had been confined for about eight months, have since been rescued.”
The suspects were arraigned on October 9, 2025, before the Ashaiman District Court, presided over by H/W Derrick Parden Eshun, on charges of Conspiracy to Commit Crime, namely Human Trafficking, and Human Trafficking.
They have been remanded into Police custody to reappear on October 23, 2025.
