The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Armed Forces, has arrested 219 individuals suspected of involvement in human trafficking and cybercrime operations.
The Operation dubbed “Operation Rescue Shield,” intelligence-led targeted criminal networks exploiting vulnerable individuals.
Among those detained were Nigerian and Ghanaian nationals aged between 15 and 38 years including eleven minors, seven females, and 212 males.
During a press briefing, Acting Executive Director of EOCO, Abdul Bashiru Dapilah, described how victims were deceived with promises of high-paying jobs, only to find themselves held hostage and coerced into cyber fraud.
“The operation was successful, and 219 people were arrested at Isak Estates in Oyarifa. The victims were lured into the country by the suspects ostensibly to give them lucrative jobs in Ghana”. Unfortunately, when they came to Ghana, there were no jobs, and they were taken hostage at the Oyarifa estate and forced to engage in cybercrime activities.”
Security officials retrieved several laptops, internet routers, and mobile devices used for cyber fraud from the suspects.
While investigations continue, efforts are underway to distinguish victims from perpetrators.
“Screening is ongoing to separate the victims from the suspects and juveniles from the adults,”
EOCO has pledged to work with regional and international agencies to dismantle human trafficking networks. Dapilah also hinted at plans to repatriate victims to Nigeria.
“We are thinking that come what may, by [April 18], we should be able to complete screening and make arrangements for the victims to return home,”.
