Cybercrime Crackdown: 141 Suspects Arrested in Major Joint Security Operation in Accra

In a major operation aimed at disrupting organized cybercrime, the Cyber Security Authority of Ghana, in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, National Security, and the Ghana Immigration Service, conducted a coordinated early-morning raid on Tuesday, targeting networks engaged in mobile money (MoMo) fraud and business email compromise (BEC) scams.

The intelligence-led operation was executed simultaneously in Tabora and Lashibi—two suburbs of Accra—notorious for cybercrime activities.

As a result, a total of 141 suspects were apprehended: 100 in Tabora and 41 in Lashibi. Preliminary investigations suggest that the majority of the suspects are Nigerian nationals.

Read also: 48 Suspected Cybercriminals Arrested in Dawhenya During Joint Security Operation

Security agencies seized 38 laptops and 150 mobile phones suspected to have been used in the commission of various cyber-enabled financial crimes.

Among those arrested was a Ghanaian landlord who reportedly housed over 100 of the suspects.

Authorities emphasized the responsibility of property owners to ensure their premises are not used to facilitate criminal activities.

The suspects are believed to be involved in a range of cybercrimes, including:

– Mobile Money (MoMo) fraud

– Romance scams

– Sextortion

– Business Email Compromise (BEC)

– Wire fraud

A forensic analysis of the seized devices is currently underway. According to the authorities, suspects found culpable will be prosecuted under Ghanaian law.

In a statement following the operation, Member of Parliament Sam Nartey George reaffirmed Ghana’s openness to legitimate business but warned that the country will deal firmly with criminal elements.

“Ghana remains welcoming to all of our 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,” he stated.

Also read: Ghana’s Cybersecurity Law: The Good and The Bad

The public is encouraged to remain alert, report suspicious online behavior, and support national efforts in combating cybercrime.