ABIDJAN/ACCRA — April 23, 2025 — In a major transnational operation, Interpol has announced the takedown of a human trafficking network that preyed on vulnerable individuals across West Africa through fraudulent job offers and pyramid schemes.
The joint sting by Côte d’Ivoire and Ghanaian authorities led to the rescue of 33 victims—including nationals from Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Togo—and the arrest of two key suspects.
According to Interpol, the criminal operation lured victims with promises of high-paying jobs abroad, particularly in Canada. The scheme came to light after a Ghanaian father reported his daughters missing. The two had paid nearly $9,000 in “recruitment fees” only to end up trafficked and trapped in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Victims were held against their will, psychologically manipulated, and forced to continue the scam by recruiting others through multi-level marketing tactics. To maintain the illusion of legitimacy, traffickers provided Canadian phone numbers and staged photo sessions in luxury settings, convincing families that their loved ones were living successful lives overseas.
“A lot of families were misled into believing their loved ones were thriving abroad,” investigators revealed. “But the reality was a well-coordinated human trafficking and fraud operation.”
The breakthrough came when one victim managed to escape, return to Ghana, and alert local police. With assistance from a West African police cooperation framework, she returned to Côte d’Ivoire to assist with the investigation. Family members of other victims also supported the operation.
In February 2025, coordinated raids on two key locations in Abidjan, led by specialised Ivorian units with support from Ghana and Interpol, brought the operation to a successful conclusion.
“Because of their joint efforts, victims have been saved and those responsible are now facing justice,” said Interpol Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza.
Youssouf Kouyate, Director General of Côte d’Ivoire’s National Police, credited regional partnerships for the success:
“Our close cooperation with Interpol and Ghanaian police was pivotal to the achievements of this operation and is a testament to the strength of our regional partnerships.”
The rescued victims are now receiving medical, psychological, and social support through a local non-governmental organization. One of the main suspects has already been extradited to Ghana for prosecution.
Interpol has warned the public to stay alert to the increasing number of scams in West and Central Africa disguised as overseas job or educational opportunities. The agency urged people to watch out for red flags such as requests for upfront fees, vague job details, suspiciously generous offers, and high-pressure tactics.
“This is not just about policing borders,” an Interpol spokesperson said. “It’s about policing deception, restoring trust, and saving lives.”
Interpol reaffirmed its commitment to working with its member countries to dismantle trafficking networks, protect vulnerable individuals, and bring traffickers to justice.
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