Security agencies in Ghana have arrested 141 suspected cybercriminals in a coordinated early-morning operation across Tabora and Lashibi, marking one of the largest recent crackdowns on organised cybercrime networks in the Greater Accra Region.
The intelligence-led operation targeted groups allegedly involved in mobile money fraud, business email compromise, romance scams, sextortion, and wire fraud. The arrests were confirmed on Saturday by the Minister for Communication, Digitalisation and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, in a social media update.
According to the minister, the operation was carried out by the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, National Security, and the Ghana Immigration Service headquarters. A total of 100 suspects were arrested in Tabora, while 41 others were picked up in Lashibi.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the majority of the suspects are Nigerian nationals. During the raid, officers retrieved 38 laptops and 150 mobile phones, which authorities believe were used to carry out cyber-enabled financial crimes.
Security officials also arrested a Ghanaian landlord accused of housing about 100 of the suspects in his property. Authorities stressed that property owners have a legal and civic duty to ensure their premises are not used to facilitate criminal activity, warning that landlords who aid or ignore such activities may face prosecution.
Forensic examinations of the seized electronic devices are currently ongoing. Officials say suspects found culpable will be processed in accordance with Ghanaian law, including possible prosecution and deportation where applicable.
The Cyber Security Authority used the occasion to urge the public to remain vigilant, report suspicious digital activity, and cooperate with national efforts to curb cybercrime. While reaffirming that Ghana remains open to foreigners engaged in legitimate business, the Authority emphasized that cybercriminal activity will be met with firm and decisive enforcement.
The arrests come just days after the minister announced a separate operation in Ningo-Prampram, where 48 suspects, 46 males and two females, all Nigerians, were arrested for alleged involvement in various cyber-related criminal activities.
Authorities say the recent operations form part of a broader national strategy to dismantle cybercrime networks and protect Ghana’s digital economy.
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