Ghana arrests 141 Nigerians in major cybercrime crackdown

Ghanaian authorities have arrested 141 people, most of whom are believed to be Nigerian nationals, in a large-scale operation targeting organised cybercrime networks operating in the Greater Accra Region.

The coordinated early-morning raids were carried out by the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) in partnership with the Ghana Police Service, National Security, and the Ghana Immigration Service.

The operations took place in Tabora and Lashibi, two areas where the suspects were reportedly based.

According to a statement from Ghana’s Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, 100 suspects were arrested in Tabora and 41 in Lashibi, bringing the total to 141.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the group was involved in a range of cyber-enabled financial crimes, including Mobile Money (MoMo) fraud, business email compromise scams, romance fraud, sextortion, and wire fraud.

During the raids, law enforcement officers seized 38 laptops and about 150 mobile phones believed to have been used to carry out illegal activities.

These devices are now undergoing forensic analysis as part of the ongoing investigation.

A Ghanaian landlord who allegedly housed about 100 of the suspects in his property was also arrested.

Officials warned that property owners must ensure their premises are not used to facilitate criminal activities.

Authorities have pledged to prosecute those found guilty under Ghanaian law and urged the public to stay vigilant and report suspicious digital and financial activities to help combat cybercrime.