Cybercrime Syndicates Busted: Foreign Nationals, Ghanaians Implicated in Sophisticated Scam Networks

The Cyber Security Authority (CSA), in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, has uncovered a growing trend of foreign-led cybercrime operations in Ghana—many of which are being facilitated by local accomplices.

During a press briefing in Accra, Acting Director-General of the CSA, Divine Selase Agbeti, revealed that a series of coordinated operations have led to the arrest of dozens of suspects and the seizure of high-tech equipment used in online scams.

One major operation took place on July 4 at Ubuntu Estate in Dodowa Sassabi, where 25 foreign nationals were arrested. Authorities recovered 40 laptops, 30 mobile phones, and Starlink satellite internet devices, indicating a well-resourced cybercrime setup. However, investigations later revealed that 23 of the arrested individuals were victims of human trafficking who had been forced into cybercrime activities. These victims have since been repatriated.

A second raid on July 17 in the Bortianor-Ngleshie Amanfro area led to the arrest of 16 foreign nationals, 13 of whom are currently awaiting repatriation. Police confiscated 22 laptops and 11 mobile phones, further exposing the scale and coordination of these criminal networks.

Perhaps most concerning was the involvement of some Ghanaians in these operations. In Sogakope, ten individuals—including local suspects—were apprehended for impersonating senior public officials, including Members of Parliament. Their elaborate schemes involved tricking unsuspecting victims into paying for non-existent job placements within national institutions such as the Ghana Armed Forces, Immigration Service, and Cocobod.

Agbeti confirmed that the suspected ringleader, who initially escaped arrest, was later apprehended in Sege on June 1, 2025.

Addressing the media, COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), called for greater public vigilance, stressing that cybercrime operations are becoming increasingly sophisticated and difficult to detect.

The CSA is urging all citizens to report suspicious cyber activities via its 24-hour hotline (292) or email (Report@csa.gov.gh).