Ghana Police CID Dismantles Cross-Border Cybercrime Syndicate in Tema and Afienya Raids

The Ghana Police Service’s Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has executed a series of intelligence-led operations across the Greater Accra Region, resulting in the dismantling of a significant cybercrime and human trafficking network. Led by CID Director-General Commissioner of Police (COP) Lydia Yaako Donkor, these raids in Tema, Mataheko, and Kwabenya led to the arrest of over 25 suspects and the rescue of approximately 40 Nigerian nationals. The victims were allegedly trafficked into Ghana under false pretenses only to be held against their will and coerced into participating in internet-based fraud. In a notable development during the operation in Tema’s Fafa Community, 11 individuals were taken into custody. While six victims were rescued from the premises, investigators discovered that two men originally thought to be victims—34-year-old Godstine Terry and 21-year-old Wilson Makuo—were actually the primary coordinators for the criminal syndicate. Both have since been remanded into police custody following their appearance at the Circuit Court, while a manhunt continues for an additional suspect known as Jerry. Simultaneous raids were conducted in Mataheko, Afienya, and Kwabenya to further disrupt the network’s operations. In Mataheko, ten suspects were apprehended, including Collins Francis Olayi Ojo, who is accused of forcing nine rescued Nigerian nationals into fraudulent activities. During these interventions, the police seized 28 laptops and nine mobile phones for forensic examination. In Kwabenya, another 22 young Nigerians were rescued from a separate hideout where they were being held, with five more suspects arrested for their involvement in the illegal detention and exploitation of the victims. The Ghana Police Service has placed all rescued victims in safe locations and is currently conducting digital forensic examinations on the recovered devices to uncover the full scale of the syndicate's activities. COP Lydia Yaako Donkor has called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities within their neighborhoods. This successful operation underscores the CID's commitment to tackling the rising trend of cyber-enabled crime and human trafficking, ensuring that Ghana remains a hostile environment for cross-border criminal organizations.