Samuel Nartey George disputes FBI claim on Operation Blackout

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has challenged claims made by FBI Director Kash Patel regarding the execution of a high-profile cybercrime operation in Ghana. The Minister pushed back against assertions that "Operation Blackout" was a solo achievement by the American agency, clarifying that the mission was a collaborative effort led by Ghanaian law enforcement.

According to Mr. George, the operation was a joint venture involving the Ghana Police Service, with technical and intelligence support provided by the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The Minister emphasized that while the FBI announced the results of the operation—which targeted global scam centers and recovered funds lost by American citizens—it was Ghanaian authorities who spearheaded the "Cyberhunt" activities on the ground. He stressed that acknowledging the contributions of all international partners is essential for maintaining factual accuracy in global law enforcement reporting.

Mr. George warned that failing to recognize Ghana's primary role in these operations could potentially undermine future international collaboration in the fight against cross-border financial crimes. He reiterated the government's commitment to eradicating cybercrime and emphasized that successful future partnerships must be built on mutual respect and the accurate representation of each participating agency's involvement. The operation is part of an ongoing effort to disrupt criminal networks targeting international victims and to strengthen cybersecurity within the region.