Ghana Arrests 93 Nigerians Over Alleged Internet Fraud, Immigration Offences

Ghana Arrests 93 Nigerians Over Alleged Internet Fraud, Immigration Offences

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has arrested 93 Nigerian nationals for alleged involvement in internet fraud and violations of immigration laws during a targeted security operation in Accra.

The suspects include 91 males and two females, according to a statement signed in Accra by the Deputy Commissioner of Immigration and Head of Public Affairs of the GIS, Maud Anima Quaino.

The agency said the operation was carried out following intelligence reports and was led by Deputy Superintendent of Immigration, Newman Akuffo, from the service’s national operations unit.

According to the statement, immigration officers conducted coordinated raids on six houses located within the DEVTRACO Estate in Accra, where the suspects were allegedly operating.

During the operation, officials also rescued 73 victims who were said to have been subjected to severe abuse and torture by the suspects.

The GIS disclosed that several items believed to have been used in carrying out the illegal activities were recovered from the premises.

Among the confiscated items were counterfeit United States dollars, fake gold bars, 82 laptops, 57 mobile phones, and 17 television sets, along with other household appliances.

Preliminary investigations by the immigration authorities revealed that some of the suspects reportedly entered Ghana through unauthorized border routes, while others allegedly overstayed the 90-day visa-free entry period granted to nationals of Nigeria under regional travel arrangements.

The statement added that further investigations are ongoing at the GIS national headquarters, while the 73 rescued victims have already been repatriated to Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service has urged foreign nationals residing in the country to strictly comply with Ghanaian laws and immigration regulations.

The service noted that under Ghana’s Human Trafficking Act 2005, recruiting, transporting or harbouring individuals through force, fraud or abuse for the purpose of exploitation is a serious criminal offence.

Offenders found guilty under the law risk between five and 20 years imprisonment, while cases involving children or other aggravating circumstances could attract life imprisonment in addition to fines.

The GIS also cited provisions of the Immigration Act 2000, which criminalise entering the country through unauthorized routes or overstaying approved visas.

According to the service, persons convicted under the immigration law may face summary conviction, fines, and prison terms ranging from three months to two years.