No fewer than 141 Nigerian nationals have been arrested by Ghanaian authorities over their alleged involvement in cyber-enabled financial crimes, including mobile money fraud and business email compromise schemes.
The arrests were disclosed on Saturday by Ghana’s Commissioner for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel George.
They followed a coordinated early-morning raid carried out by the Cyber Security Authority of Ghana in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, National Security and the Ghana Immigration Service.
The operation was conducted simultaneously in the Tabora and Lashibi areas of the country.
According to the authorities, 100 suspects were picked up in Tabora, while 41 others were apprehended in Lashibi, bringing the total number of arrests to 141.
Preliminary findings indicated that all the suspects are believed to be Nigerian nationals.
Items recovered from the suspects included 38 laptops and about 150 mobile phones, which investigators said were likely used in carrying out cyber-related financial crimes.
A Ghanaian landlord who allegedly rented his property to about 100 of the suspects was also arrested during the operation.
The authorities warned property owners to exercise due diligence in the use of their premises, stressing that landlords could be held liable if their buildings are used for 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.
“Forensic analysis of the seized devices is underway, and individuals found culpable will be processed in accordance with Ghanaian law,” the statement said.
The Ghanaian authorities urged the public to stay alert and report suspicious online activities, while reaffirming the country’s resolve to tackle cybercrime.
“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,” the statement added.
