Ghana authorities arrest 19 in Sasaabi cybercrime and trafficking raid

Ghanaian authorities have arrested 19 individuals in Sasaabi, an Accra suburb, during a coordinated international crackdown on cybercrime and human trafficking. The operation, known as "Joint Disruption Week," was a collaborative effort involving Ghana's Cyber Security Authority, the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA), and the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The raid targeted an organized scam center that officials say defrauded international victims and exploited trafficked individuals to carry out illicit activities.

During the raid, security forces identified 117 victims of human trafficking at the Sasaabi facility, many of whom are Nigerian nationals currently awaiting repatriation. Beyond the human cost, investigators identified 89 specific fraud victims who lost approximately $8.3 million to the criminal network. Authorities also seized 303 electronic devices, including computers and mobile phones, which are being processed for forensic evidence to identify further suspects and victims.

The operation was part of a broader global initiative that resulted in a total of 28 arrests across Ghana and Nigeria. Private sector participation was also central to the effort, with Meta announcing the removal of more than 3.7 million fraudulent social media accounts linked to these scam networks. Furthermore, law enforcement agencies identified more than $11 million in potentially freezable funds associated with the criminal syndicate's operations.

Representatives from the UK’s National Crime Agency emphasized that these operations are crucial for dismantling sophisticated networks that target citizens in the UK and US. Officials noted that the scam centers often rely on extreme human exploitation, forcing trafficked persons to work under duress. The Cyber Security Authority and its partners have urged the public to exercise caution regarding online investment opportunities, stressing that international cooperation remains the most effective tool in combating the rising threat of global cybercrime.