Ghana immigration arrests 93 Nigerians in Accra over alleged internet fraud

Authorities in Ghana have arrested 93 Nigerians over their alleged involvement in internet fraud and violations of immigration laws following a coordinated security operation in Accra.

The arrests were carried out by the Ghana Immigration Service during an intelligence-led raid on a suspected cybercrime network operating at Devtraco Estate in the capital city.

In a statement issued by Maud Anima Quainoo, an official of the immigration service, the suspects were identified as 91 males and two females believed to be connected to the network. The operation also led to the rescue of 73 individuals who authorities say had reportedly suffered abuse and torture at the hands of the suspects.

Raid uncovers laptops, fake currency, and other items

During the raid, officers recovered several items believed to have been used in the alleged fraudulent operations. These included 82 laptops, 57 mobile phones, and 17 television sets. Officials also discovered counterfeit U.S. dollar notes and fake gold bars, along with several household appliances believed to have supported the suspects’ activities.

Preliminary investigations suggest that some of the suspects entered Ghana through unauthorised border crossings, while others allegedly overstayed the 90-day visa-free entry period available to citizens of countries within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Authorities confirmed that the 73 rescued individuals have since been repatriated to Nigeria, while the arrested suspects remain in custody as investigations continue. The immigration service said the case is currently being handled at its headquarters as officials work to determine the full scale of the suspected criminal network.

The agency also urged foreign nationals residing in Ghana to comply with the country’s immigration and criminal laws.

Crackdown on cybercrime intensifies

The latest arrests come amid a broader crackdown by Ghanaian authorities on cybercrime networks operating in the country.

In January, security agencies arrested 53 Nigerians allegedly involved in cybercrime and rescued 44 suspected victims of forced labour during a separate operation.

Earlier in December, authorities also arrested about 78 Nigerians linked to internet fraud activities.

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The recent operations highlight increased enforcement efforts by Ghanaian authorities aimed at dismantling cybercrime networks and preventing the exploitation of individuals in illegal online operations. Investigations into the latest case are ongoing, and officials say further actions could follow as more details about the network emerge.