Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has announced the arrest of 141 suspects in a coordinated security operation targeting organised cybercrime networks involved in Mobile Money fraud and Business Email Compromise (BEC) scams.
According to him, the intelligence-led operation was carried out by the Cyber Security Authority, in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, National Security, and the Ghana Immigration Service.
In a post on X, the minister said the operation focused on key locations in Tabora and Lashibi and took place in the early morning of December 27.
“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.”
He disclosed that law enforcement agencies also seized several electronic devices suspected to have been used in cyber-enabled financial crimes.
“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 minister further revealed that a Ghanaian landlord who accommodated 100 of the suspects has also been arrested as part of the investigation, and cautioned landlords to be lawful.
“Landlords have a duty to ensure that their premises are not used to facilitate or perpetuate crime.”
According to the minister, the suspects are alleged to have been involved in a range of cybercrime activities, including Mobile Money fraud, romance scams, sextortion, Business Email Compromise, and wire fraud.
He added that forensic analysis of the seized devices is currently underway and assured the public that individuals found culpable would be dealt with according to the law.
The minister urged the public to remain alert and support national efforts to combat cybercrime.
“The public is urged to remain vigilant, report suspicious digital activities, and continue to support national efforts to combat cybercrime.”
He added that while Ghana remains open to foreigners engaged in legitimate business, the country will not tolerate 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.”
