The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has apprehended 17 foreign nationals believed to be part of a cyber fraud syndicate and has rescued 85 individuals suspected of being victims of human trafficking during an intelligence-driven operation in Dawhenya, located in the Greater Accra Region.
This operation, executed in the early hours of Sunday, July 26, targeted a facility opposite the China West Mall, which authorities claim was used by the suspected criminal organization.
Reports indicate that Oga Toyas, the Chief Executive Officer of TOYAS Group Limited, owns the premises.
According to the GIS, officers from its National Enforcement Team intercepted 102 West African nationals after receiving information from residents regarding the group’s alleged illicit activities.
Initial investigations revealed that 79 males and six females were victims of human trafficking and forced labor, while the remaining 17 individuals are suspected members of the alleged cyber fraud syndicate who were also residing in Ghana unlawfully.
Immigration officers reported finding evidence of severe physical abuse, particularly among male victims, who were reportedly subjected to coercion and kept in deplorable living conditions.
The GIS stated that the six female victims and the 17 suspects are currently detained at its headquarters in Accra for interrogation, profiling, and further investigation.
The remaining 79 male victims have been moved to a secure holding facility as the Service collaborates with relevant state agencies to ensure their safe repatriation to their home countries.
Authorities noted that the alleged masterminds of the operation were not present during the raid.
“It has been reported that the team encountered the absence of the primary kingpins at the time of the operation. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend those orchestrating these criminal activities,” the statement indicated.
The GIS emphasized that the operation was conducted in accordance with the Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694), which criminalizes offenses related to trafficking and mandates a minimum prison sentence of five years upon conviction.
In a distinct operation, the Ashaiman Sector Command apprehended 93 Nigerian women aged between 15 and 44 as part of an intelligence-driven compliance initiative in the Tsina-Agbe region.
The operation was conducted in response to requests from the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly and the Municipal Security Council regarding the suspected involvement of foreign nationals in prostitution.
The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) stated that the women are currently being detained at a secure facility while arrangements are made for their repatriation to Nigeria, in compliance with legal requirements.
The GIS emphasized its commitment to its statutory responsibilities, which include protecting Ghana’s borders, addressing irregular migration, dismantling transnational criminal networks, and safeguarding victims of human trafficking from exploitation.
