Ghanaian authorities have arrested at least 141 Nigerian nationals over their alleged involvement in cyber-enabled financial crimes, including mobile money fraud and business email compromise schemes.
The arrests were confirmed on Saturday by Ghana’s Commissioner for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel George, in an official statement.
According to the statement, the suspects were apprehended during a coordinated early-morning operation led by the Cyber Security Authority of Ghana, working alongside the Ghana Police Service, National Security and the Ghana Immigration Service.
The operation targeted multiple locations in Tabora and Lashibi, where 100 suspects were arrested in Tabora and 41 others in Lashibi, bringing the total number of arrests to 141.
Preliminary investigations suggest that all the suspects are Nigerian nationals. Security agencies also recovered 38 laptops and 150 mobile phones believed to have been used in carrying out cyber-related financial crimes.
Authorities further disclosed that a Ghanaian landlord, who allegedly housed about 100 of the suspects in his property, was arrested during the operation. Officials warned that property owners have a duty to ensure their premises are not used to facilitate criminal activities.
The suspects are believed to be linked to offences such as mobile money fraud, romance scams, sextortion, business email compromise and wire fraud. Investigators say forensic analysis of the seized devices is ongoing, and those found culpable will be prosecuted in line with Ghanaian law.
Ghanaian authorities urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious digital activities, while reaffirming the country’s resolve to combat cybercrime.
“Ghana remains open to friends and neighbours engaged in legitimate business. However, anyone involved in cybercrime will be identified, arrested and dealt with decisively under our laws,” the statement added.