A joint operation by the IGP’s Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team, the Surveillance Unit from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters, and the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has led to the arrest of twelve (12) Nigerian nationals suspected to be involved in organised cyber fraud and human trafficking-related activities.
The targeted operation, which took place on March, was led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Malaika Jibril Alhassan from the Police Headquarters and Superintendent Francis Baidoo from the Amasaman Sector Command of the Ghana Immigration Service.
Items retrieved
A search conducted at the premises led to the retrieval of suspected cybercrime tools, including twenty-five (25) laptop computers and seven (7) mobile phones.
During the operation, the suspects attempted to obstruct enforcement by releasing German Shepherd dogs against the officers. Consequently, reinforcement from the Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team and the Surveillance Unit from the CID Headquarters helped ensure the smooth operation.
Nature of criminal activities identified
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects were engaged in several offences, including internet fraud (online scams), identity theft, email and phishing fraud, mobile money (MoMo) fraud, cyber extortion and blackmail, credit card and ATM fraud, and electronic forgery.
The offences identified fall under the following legal instruments: the Ghana Immigration Service Regulations (L.I. 2245), the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), the Electronic Transactions Act, 2008 (Act 772), the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), and the Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843).
The operation demonstrates the growing nexus between cybercrime networks and transnational migration activities. Effective intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration between the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Immigration Service remain critical in disrupting such criminal enterprises.
Meanwhile, six (6) other suspected Nigerian nationals are currently at large for illegal migration-related offences contrary to the laws of the Republic of Ghana.
The Ghana Police Service says it remains committed to intelligence-led operations, inter-agency coordination and collaboration, and the strict application of the law to safeguard national security and maintain the integrity of Ghana’s digital and migration space.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com