The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has arrested 93 Nigerians in a major intelligence-led operation targeting suspected internet fraud and immigration-related offences within the Devtraco Estate.
According to a statement issued by the Public Affairs Department of the GIS, the suspects—comprising 91 males and two females—were apprehended during a coordinated raid on six residential properties within the estate.
The operation, led by Deputy Superintendent of Immigration (DSI) Newman Akuffo from the National Operations Unit, resulted in the rescue of 73 victims who had reportedly endured severe torture and abuse at the hands of the suspects.
The victims were being exploited as part of suspected fraudulent operations conducted by the group. During the raid, officers confiscated several items believed to have been used to facilitate the criminal activities.
These included counterfeit United States dollars, fake gold bars, 82 laptop computers, 57 mobile phones, and 17 television sets, along with other household appliances.
Preliminary investigations conducted by the Ghana Immigration Service revealed that some of the suspects allegedly entered Ghana through unapproved routes, while others are believed to have overstayed the 90-day visa-free entry permitted to certain foreign nationals.
In a statement, the Officials indicated that further investigations are currently underway at the GIS National Headquarters to determine the full extent of the suspects’ activities.
Following the operation, the 73 rescued victims have been repatriated to Nigeria as part of efforts to ensure their safety and recovery.
The Comptroller-General of Immigration has meanwhile reminded all foreign nationals residing in Ghana to comply with the country’s immigration laws.
The Authorities stressed that the Human Trafficking Act 2005 Act 694 criminalises the recruitment, transportation, or harbouring of persons through force, fraud or abuse for the purpose of exploitation, with penalties ranging from five to twenty years imprisonment, or life imprisonment in cases involving child victims or aggravating circumstances.
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