The Ghana Immigration Service has apprehended 93 Nigerian nationals and rescued 73 victims during a significant anti-fraud operation conducted in Accra.
As reported by the Service, the individuals arrested, consisting of 91 males and two females, were taken into custody for their suspected involvement in internet fraud and immigration-related offenses.
This intelligence-driven operation, executed by officers from the National Operations unit of the Ghana Immigration Service, focused on six residences within the Devtraco Estate.
The operation was spearheaded by Deputy Superintendent of Immigration Newman Akuffo.
Authorities indicated that the raid led to the rescue of 73 victims who reportedly endured severe torture and mistreatment at the hands of the suspects.
During the operation, officers seized numerous items believed to have been utilized in facilitating the alleged criminal activities. These items included counterfeit US dollars, imitation gold bars, 82 laptop computers, 57 mobile phones, and 17 television sets, along with various other household appliances.
Further investigations by the Ghana Immigration Service uncovered that some of the suspects allegedly entered Ghana via unauthorized routes, while others are suspected of having overstayed the 90-day visa-free entry period allowed under immigration regulations.
The Service stated that investigations are ongoing at its national headquarters, and the 73 rescued victims have since been repatriated to Nigeria.
The Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service has urged all foreign nationals residing in Ghana to comply with the country’s immigration laws.
Authorities also reminded the public that the Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694), prohibits the recruitment, transportation, or harboring of individuals through force, fraud, or abuse for the purpose of exploitation. Offenders may face prison sentences ranging from five to 20 years, or life imprisonment in cases involving children or other aggravating circumstances.
The Service additionally observed that according to the Immigration Act, 2000 (Act 573), entering the nation via unauthorized pathways or exceeding the duration of a visa is deemed a criminal offense, which may result in penalties such as fines or imprisonment.
