The Cyber Security Authority of Ghana in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, National Security and the Ghana Immigration Service have arrested no fewer than 141 Nigerian nationals over their alleged involvement in cyber-enabled financial crimes.
They were alleged to have committed offences including mobile money fraud, romance scams, sextortion, business email compromise and wire fraud.
The suspects were arrested following a coordinated early-morning operation across key locations in Tabora and Lashibi.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by Ghana’s Commissioner for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel George.
According to the statement, 100 suspects were arrested in Tabora, while 41 others were apprehended in Lashibi, bringing the total number of arrests to 141.
George further stated that preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects are believed to be Nigerian nationals adding that law enforcement agencies also recovered 38 laptops and 150 mobile phones suspected to have been used in perpetrating cyber-related financial crimes.
During the operation, a Ghanaian landlord who allegedly accommodated about 100 of the suspects in his house was also arrested.
According to the authorities, landlords must ensure their properties are not used to facilitate criminal activities.
“Forensic analysis of the seized devices is underway, and individuals found culpable will be processed in accordance with Ghanaian law,” the statement added.
The Ghanaian authorities added that;
“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.”
