GIS busts alleged cyber fraud ring, rescues 85 human trafficking victims iThe Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has arrested 17 foreign nationals suspected of operating a cyber fraud syndicate and rescued 85 victims of suspected human trafficking during a major intelligence-led operation at Dawhenya in the Greater Accra Region.
The operation, carried out in the early hours of Sunday, July 26, targeted a facility located opposite the China West Mall, which authorities believe was being used as a base for the suspected criminal network. The property is reportedly owned by Oga Toyas, Chief Executive Officer of TOYAS Group Limited.
According to the GIS, officers from its National Enforcement Team intercepted a total of 102 West African nationals after acting on intelligence provided by residents who had raised concerns about the group’s alleged criminal activities.
Preliminary investigations revealed that 79 males and six females were victims of suspected human trafficking and forced labour. The remaining 17 individuals are believed to be members of the alleged cyber fraud syndicate who were also residing illegally in Ghana.
The Service disclosed that officers encountered evidence of severe physical abuse, particularly among the male victims, who were allegedly subjected to inhumane treatment and forced to live under poor conditions.
The six female victims, together with the 17 suspects, are currently being held at the GIS Headquarters in Accra for interrogation, profiling and further investigations.
Meanwhile, the 79 rescued male victims have been transferred to a secure holding facility as immigration authorities collaborate with relevant state agencies to facilitate their safe return to their respective home countries.
The GIS noted that the suspected masterminds behind the operation were not present when officers stormed the premises.
“It is reported that the team met the absence of the main kingpins at the time of the operations. Investigations are ongoing to pick up the brains behind these nefarious activities,” the Service said in a statement.
The operation was conducted under the Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694), which criminalises human trafficking and related offences, prescribing a mandatory minimum prison sentence of five years upon conviction.
In a separate intelligence-led compliance exercise, the Ashaiman Sector Command of the GIS detained 93 Nigerian women aged between 15 and 44 in the Tsina-Agbe area following concerns raised by the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly and the Municipal Security Council over the alleged involvement of foreign nationals in prostitution.
The women are currently being held at a secure facility pending arrangements for their repatriation to Nigeria in accordance with Ghana’s immigration laws.
Reaffirming its commitment to national security, the Ghana Immigration Service stated that it remains focused on safeguarding Ghana’s borders, combating irregular migration, dismantling transnational criminal networks, and protecting victims of human trafficking from exploitation.
