Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has rejected suggestions that the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) independently initiated, directed or executed the recent cybercrime crackdown in the country, insisting that the operation was planned and led by Ghanaian authorities.
The clarification follows a statement by FBI Director Kash Patel concerning the FBI’s global anti-scam initiative, known as Operation Blackout. The post indicated that more than 130 people had been arrested or detained in Ghana, with suspected losses exceeding US$10 million identified and over 300 electronic devices seized.
In response, the CSA said Ghana’s operation, dubbed Operation Cyber Hunt, was coordinated and led by the Authority in collaboration with local security agencies and international law enforcement partners.
The Authority emphasised that the operation was conducted in accordance with Ghana’s laws and institutional procedures, stressing that it was not carried out under the operational command of any foreign agency.
Operation Cyber Hunt: Eight Suspects Arrested, 120 People Rescued
According to the CSA, intelligence received on August 26, 2026, pointed to suspected cybercrime centres operating from several residential properties in the Greater Accra Region.
The locations included Ubuntu Haven Estate in Kpone Katamanso, Franko Estate in Ga North, and other areas within Ga West. The facilities were allegedly being used as bases for organised cybercrime activities, including romance scams and online fraud.
The operation resulted in the arrest of eight suspects and the rescue of 120 people suspected of being victims of human trafficking and exploitation for cybercrime activities.
The Authority clarified that the number of suspects arrested was separate from the number of individuals rescued, many of whom were believed to have been trafficked and forced into online criminal activities.
Mobile Phones, Laptops and Vehicles Seized
During the intelligence-led operation, security personnel seized a range of electronic devices and other items believed to be connected to the suspected cybercrime networks.
The items recovered included:
- 136 mobile phones
- 130 laptops
- Internet connectivity equipment
- Four motor vehicles
- Jewellery and other high-value items
- 10 Nigerian passports
The CSA also disclosed that one of the vehicles recovered during the operation was reportedly stolen from Canada.
Investigations into the seized digital devices and other evidence are ongoing as authorities work to establish the full extent of the alleged criminal activities.
Nigerian Victims to Be Repatriated
The Cyber Security Authority said arrangements were underway to facilitate the repatriation of the rescued individuals, most of whom were identified as Nigerian nationals.
Authorities are continuing investigations into the suspected cybercrime centres, the arrested individuals and the electronic equipment seized during Operation Cyber Hunt.
The CSA stressed that protecting victims of human trafficking, preserving digital evidence, ensuring due process and prosecuting offenders remain key priorities in Ghana’s fight against cybercrime.
Ghanaian Security Agencies Led the Operation
The CSA identified several Ghanaian institutions that participated in the operation, including the National Security Council, the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Immigration Service and the Office of the Attorney-General.
International partners included the FBI, the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA), Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Joint Case Team on Cybercrime (OCTC).
Although the Authority acknowledged the intelligence contributions of the FBI and the NCA, it maintained that public statements about the crackdown should accurately represent the responsibilities and contributions of every participating institution.
The CSA has called on the FBI to clarify its account of the Ghana operation and recognise the role played by Ghanaian security agencies and other international partners.
CSA Emphasises Ghana’s Sovereignty in Cybercrime Investigations
The Authority stressed that Ghana’s status as a sovereign republic means foreign law enforcement agencies cannot independently exercise police powers or conduct arrests within the country without the involvement and authorisation of the appropriate Ghanaian authorities.
It explained that international law enforcement cooperation must be conducted through established legal channels and in accordance with Ghana’s laws and institutional procedures.
The CSA acknowledged that collaboration with foreign agencies is essential to tackling transnational cybercrime, online scams, human trafficking and other technology-enabled criminal activities. However, it insisted that such partnerships must respect Ghana’s sovereignty and the operational authority of its institutions.
The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling cybercrime networks, combating online fraud, strengthening digital forensics and improving intelligence-sharing among domestic and international security agencies.
Investigations into the suspected cybercrime centres uncovered during Operation Cyber Hunt remain ongoing.
Source: newsthemegh.com