Ghana Arrests 141 Over Alleged Cybercrime Operations

Ghanaian authorities have arrested at least 141 individuals following a large-scale operation targeting suspected cyber-enabled financial crimes in parts of the country.

The Ghana cybercrime arrests were confirmed in a statement issued on Saturday by Samuel George, Ghana’s Commissioner for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations.

According to the statement, the operation was jointly carried out by the Cyber Security Authority of Ghana, the Ghana Police Service, National Security, and the Ghana Immigration Service.

The coordinated early-morning exercise took place across several strategic locations in Tabora and Lashibi.

Authorities disclosed that:

• 100 suspects were arrested in Tabora

• 41 suspects were arrested in Lashibi

• A total of 141 individuals were detained

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are believed to be Nigerian nationals. Officials emphasized that investigations are ongoing and that all individuals remain suspects at this stage.

During the operation, law enforcement officers also recovered items believed to be linked to online financial crimes, including:

• 150 mobile phones

• 38 laptops

The devices are suspected to have been used in activities such as:

• Business email compromise scams

• Mobile money fraud

• Wire fraud

• Romance scams

• Sextortion schemes

In addition to the suspects, a Ghanaian landlord was arrested for allegedly housing more than 100 of the individuals in his property.

Authorities warned that property owners have a responsibility to ensure their premises are not used to facilitate criminal activity.

“Forensic analysis of the seized devices is underway, and individuals found culpable will be processed in accordance with Ghanaian law,” the statement noted.

Ghanaian officials reaffirmed their commitment to combating cybercrime while encouraging the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious online behavior.

“Ghana remains welcoming to all friends and neighbours interested in legitimate enterprise. However, if you are interested in committing cybercrime, we will find you, arrest you, and deal with you decisively according to our laws,” the statement added.