The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has deported 32 West African nationals suspected of involvement in cybercrime, particularly romance scams.
The group, comprising 24 Nigerians and eight Togolese, was apprehended during two coordinated intelligence-led operations in Akatsi and Ho in the Volta Region.
The operations were jointly carried out by the GIS, the Ghana Police Service, and National Security on Wednesday.
A statement from the Public Affairs Department of the GIS revealed that investigations showed the suspects entered Ghana through unapproved routes and were coerced into cyber fraud by criminal networks that had initially promised them genuine employment opportunities.
The statement, signed by Deputy Commissioner of Immigration (DCI) Maud Anima Quainoo, explained that the individuals, aged between 18 and 35, had been contacted via social media and lured with fake job offers.
They were therefore treated as victims of human trafficking before being repatriated to their respective countries.
Authorities retrieved several items from the suspects, including 33 mobile phones, three power banks, a Toyota Corolla car key, three type-C chargers, and a single ear pod.
The GIS indicated that further investigations are underway to identify and arrest the masterminds behind the operation.
In line with Cyber Security Month, the Service cautioned the public, especially young people, to be alert to fraudulent online recruitment and trafficking schemes.
It urged citizens to report any suspicious activities, particularly houses accommodating large numbers of foreign nationals, to the nearest Immigration Office to help protect national security.
The GIS also advised landlords and property owners to verify the identities of foreign tenants before leasing out properties, reminding the public that harbouring illegal migrants constitutes an offence under Section 52 (1)(b) of the Immigration Act, 2000 (Act 573).
The Immigration Service reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s borders and ensuring strict enforcement of immigration laws.
Source: Adomonline
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