In a significant crackdown on human trafficking and cybercrime, Ghanaian police have rescued 57 Nigerian nationals and arrested five suspects allegedly involved in a sophisticated criminal operation. The raid, conducted on Wednesday in a suburban area of Accra, uncovered a facility where victims, aged between 18 and 26, were forced to participate in online romance scams. Authorities seized 77 laptops, 38 mobile phones, two vehicles, three television sets, and various internet-enabled devices from the location. The suspects reportedly lured victims with promises of lucrative job opportunities in Ghana, only to coerce them into illegal activities upon arrival. The Criminal Investigations Department confirmed that all rescued individuals are receiving necessary care, though their repatriation timeline remains unspecified. This incident highlights the persistent issue of human trafficking in West Africa, particularly in Ghana, where victims are often exploited for cybercrime and prostitution. Earlier this year, Ghana’s Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection reported 79 prosecutions and 54 convictions related to human trafficking between 2023 and 2024. The operation aligns with broader regional efforts, as Interpol recently coordinated a cybercrime crackdown across 14 African countries, resulting in 260 arrests and the recovery of nearly $2.8 million lost to scams.
Ghana police rescue 57 Nigerians in crackdown on human trafficking and cybercrime
