Accra, GHANA – Ghanaian authorities have arrested 141 suspects, mostly believed to be Nigerian nationals, in a coordinated early-morning operation targeting organised cybercrime networks accused of carrying out mobile money fraud, business email compromise scams and related offences.
The intelligence-led raids were conducted across key locations in Tabora and Lashibi, on the outskirts of Accra, by the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, National Security and the Ghana Immigration Service headquarters.
Officials said the operation was aimed at dismantling criminal syndicates that have been exploiting Ghana’s rapidly expanding digital financial ecosystem, particularly the widespread use of mobile money services, to defraud individuals and businesses both locally and internationally.
According to the authorities, 100 suspects were arrested in Tabora, while 41 others were apprehended in Lashibi, bringing the total number of arrests to 141. Preliminary investigations indicate that most of the suspects are believed to be Nigerian nationals, although officials stressed that investigations into their identities and immigration status are still ongoing.
Law enforcement agencies also recovered a significant cache of electronic devices suspected to have been used in cyber-enabled financial crimes. These included 38 laptops and 150 mobile phones, which have been seized for forensic examination.
“The intelligence-led operation targeted organised cybercrime networks involved in mobile money fraud and business email compromise scams,” an official statement said. “During the operation, 100 suspects were arrested in Tabora, while 41 suspects were apprehended in Lashibi, resulting in a total of 141 arrests.”
The suspects are alleged to have been involved in a range of cybercrime activities, including romance scams, sextortion, wire fraud, business email compromise and mobile money fraud. Investigators believe the groups operated in a coordinated manner, using rented residential properties as bases from which to run their operations and communicate with victims.
In a further development, a Ghanaian landlord was also arrested for allegedly housing about 100 of the suspects in his property in Tabora. Authorities said the landlord is being investigated for his role in facilitating the alleged criminal activities by providing accommodation to the suspects.
“The team also arrested the Ghanaian landlord who accommodated 100 of the suspects in his house,” the statement said. “Landlords have a duty to ensure that their premises are not used to facilitate or perpetuate crime.”
The arrest has prompted renewed warnings from security agencies to property owners across the country to exercise due diligence when renting out their premises, particularly in areas that have seen a rise in cybercrime activity.
Officials from the Cyber Security Authority said the operation followed weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering, amid growing concerns about the scale and sophistication of cyber-enabled financial crimes in Ghana. Mobile money fraud, in particular, has become a major threat, with criminals exploiting social engineering techniques to trick victims into transferring funds or disclosing sensitive information.
Business email compromise scams, which typically involve criminals impersonating company executives or suppliers to divert payments, have also caused significant losses to Ghanaian businesses and international partners.
Forensic analysis of the seized laptops and mobile phones is currently underway, with investigators seeking to extract digital evidence that could link the suspects to specific crimes and victims. Authorities said individuals found culpable would be processed in accordance with Ghanaian law.
The Minister responsible for national security issues praised the collaboration among the various agencies involved, describing the operation as a clear signal of the government’s resolve to tackle cybercrime.
He urged Ghanaians to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious digital activities to the relevant authorities, stressing that public cooperation was essential in combating cybercrime.
“Ghanaians must be alert to the tactics used by cybercriminals and report suspicious activity,” he said, adding that the government would continue to invest in technology, skills and inter-agency coordination to stay ahead of criminal networks.
At the same time, the minister was careful to underline that Ghana remained open and welcoming to foreigners engaged in legitimate business and enterprise.
“Ghana remains welcoming to all of our friends and neighbours interested in legitimate enterprise,” he said. “However, if you are interested in committing a cybercrime, we will find you, arrest you, and deal with you decisively according to our laws.”
The arrests come amid heightened regional concern about cross-border cybercrime in West Africa, where criminal networks often operate across multiple jurisdictions, exploiting differences in enforcement capacity and legal frameworks. Ghanaian officials said they were working closely with international partners to share intelligence and strengthen cooperation in tackling transnational cybercrime.
Security analysts say the scale of the operation suggests a more assertive posture by Ghanaian authorities, who are under pressure to protect the integrity of the country’s digital financial systems as mobile money becomes ever more central to everyday transactions.
For now, the suspects remain in custody as investigations continue, with prosecutors expected to bring charges once forensic examinations and background checks have been completed. Authorities said further arrests could follow as the investigation widens.
The operation, officials said, should serve as a warning to cybercriminals that Ghana’s security agencies are prepared to act swiftly and decisively against those who abuse the country’s digital infrastructure for criminal gain.
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