By Desire Emmanuel
A joint security operation led by the Cyber Security Authority in Ghana has uncovered several suspected cybercrime centres operating within parts of the Greater Accra Region, resulting in multiple arrests and rescues.
During the operation, nine internet fraudsters from Nigeria were arrested while 44 victims who were recruited from Nigeria were rescued.
According to security sources in the country, intelligence gathered over a 48-hour period identified locations in East Legon Hills, Afienya, Kwabenya, Weija, and Tuba where young men were being exploited and coerced to engage in cybercrime activities.
Acting on this intelligence, a joint team made up of operatives from National Security Operations, the Cyber Security Authority, the Criminal Investigations Department, and the National Police SWAT conducted coordinated operations on January 16 and 17 in those areas.
According to the Cyber Security Authority, during the raids, nine Nigerian nationals were arrested as those believed to be involved in organising or supervising the cybercrime activities.
In addition, 44 other Nigerian nationals were rescued from the various locations. Security officials said these individuals are believed to be victims who were found operating laptop computers in apartments rented by the nine Nigerians and being forced to do so.
Searches were conducted at the premises and 52 mobile phones, 62 laptop computers, and two pump-action guns were said to have been recovered. The presence of firearms, the agency said, raised further concerns about the nature and organisation of the criminal activities.
The Cyber Security Authority added that the arrested Nigerians have been profiled and handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service for further investigations while immigration and criminal processes will determine whether they will be prosecuted, repatriated, or subjected to other lawful measures.
