By Desire Emmanuel, with Agency Reports
The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has repatriated 32 West African nationals suspected of engaging in cyber fraud, particularly romance scams.
The internet fraudsters, made up of 24 Nigerians and eight Togolese, were arrested during two coordinated intelligence-led operations conducted simultaneously in Akatsi and Ho in the Volta Region by the GIS, the Ghana Police Service, and National Security on Monday.
According to a statement issued by the Public Affairs Department of the GIS in Accra, the country’s capital, investigations revealed that the men had entered Ghana through unapproved routes and were coerced into cybercrime by kingpins who had initially promised them legitimate employment.
The statement, signed by Deputy Commissioner of Immigration (DCI) Maud Anima Quainoo, noted that the suspects were contacted via social media and deceived with false job offers.
It added that the individuals, aged between 18 and 35 years, were treated as victims of human trafficking and have since been reported to their respective countries.
Items retrieved from the suspects included 33 mobile phones, three power banks, a Toyota Corolla car key, three type-C chargers, and an ear pod with one piece missing. The GIS said investigations were ongoing to track down the masterminds behind the operation.
In line with the observance of Cyber Security Month, the GIS cautioned the public, especially the youth, to be wary of cybercrime recruitment and human trafficking schemes.
It urged citizens to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities—particularly houses with large numbers of foreign occupants—to the nearest Immigration Office, and help safeguard national security.
The Service also advised landlords and property owners to conduct proper checks before renting to foreign nationals, warning that harbouring illegal immigrants is an offence under Section 52 (1)(b) of the Immigration Act, 2000 (Act 573).
