Ghanaian security agencies have arrested no fewer than 141 Nigerians over alleged involvement in cyber-enabled financial crimes, including mobile money fraud and business email compromise schemes.
The arrests followed a coordinated early-morning operation carried out by the Cyber Security Authority of Ghana in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, National Security and the Ghana Immigration Service.
Ghana’s Commissioner for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel George, disclosed the development in a statement on Saturday.
According to the statement, the operation was conducted across strategic locations in Tabora and Lashibi, where suspected cybercrime cells were said to be operating.
It stated that 100 suspects were apprehended in Tabora, while 41 others were arrested in Lashibi, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to 141.
Preliminary investigations, the authorities said, indicated that the suspects are believed to be Nigerian nationals.
Security operatives also recovered 38 laptops and about 150 mobile phones allegedly used in carrying out various cyber-related financial crimes.
A Ghanaian landlord, who allegedly provided accommodation for about 100 of the suspects, was also arrested during the operation.
The authorities cautioned landlords to exercise due diligence, stressing that property owners have a responsibility to ensure their premises are not used to facilitate criminal activities.
The suspects were alleged to be involved in offences ranging from mobile money fraud and romance scams to sextortion, business email compromise and wire fraud.
“Forensic analysis of the seized devices is underway, and individuals found culpable will be processed in accordance with Ghanaian law,” the statement said.
Ghanaian authorities urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious digital activities, while reiterating the country’s resolve to clamp down on cybercrime.
“Ghana remains welcoming to all 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,” the statement added.