Ghana’s cybercrime crackdown exposes foreign nationals and local complicity in sophisticated scams
The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) and Ghana Police Service have uncovered a troubling trend in the country’s fight against cybercrime—foreign nationals operating sophisticated scams from residential estates, with some Ghanaians acting as facilitators.
The revelations came during a press briefing in Accra led by Divine Selase Agbeti, Acting Director-General of the CSA, detailing a series of joint operations that have led to multiple arrests and seizures of high-tech equipment.
One of the most striking cases involved a raid on Ubuntu Estate in Dodowa Sassabi on July 4, where 25 foreign nationals were arrested. Authorities recovered 40 laptops, 30 mobile phones, and Starlink satellite internet equipment, suggesting a well-funded, organised operation. Investigations later revealed that 23 of those detained were actually victims of human trafficking, forced into cybercrime, and were subsequently repatriated.
A similar operation in Bortianor-Ngleshie Amanfro on July 17 saw 16 foreign nationals arrested, with 13 awaiting repatriation. The seizure of 22 laptops and 11 mobile phones further highlighted the scale of these cybercrime networks.
Perhaps more alarming was the disclosure of Ghanaian involvement in elaborate fraud schemes. In Sogakope, ten suspects; including locals, were arrested for impersonating high-ranking officials, such as Members of Parliament, to deceive victims into paying for fake job placements in security agencies and state institutions like the Ghana Armed Forces, Immigration Service, and Cocobod.
“The ringleader escaped but was subsequently arrested at Sege on June 01, 2025,” Agbeti confirmed, underscoring the persistence of law enforcement in tracking down key players.
COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, Director-General of the CID, emphasised the need for public cooperation, stating that cybercrime is evolving with increasing sophistication.
The CSA has urged citizens to report suspicious activities via its 24-hour hotline (292) or email (Report@csa.gov.gh).
