ghana news Human trafficking syndicate busted at Pokuase in Accra

The police have rounded up 22 suspects in the Greater Accra Region in another onslaught on suspected international cyber fraud perpetrators operating in the country.

Last Thursday’s operation executed by the IGP’s Special Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team, with support from Combat Teams and the Surveillance Unit, was a targeted intelligence-led operation in the Pokuase-Afiaman area.

It followed intelligence on human trafficking and organised cybercrime activities in the area.

Officers described what they discovered as a large-scale cyber fraud hub, commonly referred to as a “Yahoo Boy” base. 

Computer systems

A police report said the suspects were found actively operating computer systems believed to be facilitating international internet fraud.

“Preliminary investigations further revealed a structured hierarchy within the syndicate, including individuals responsible for enforcing control and discipline over trafficked victims,” it said.

Network

The Ghana Police Service believes the syndicate is part of a sophisticated transnational criminal network involved in human trafficking and cyber fraud, with indications that some of the younger suspects might themselves be victims of coercion and forced labour.

In recent times, the Cybercrime Authority and the police have launched coordinated operations that have led to the arrest of youth suspected of being involved in cyber-related offences.

The operations have taken place in various parts of the Greater Accra Region and the Ashanti Region in particular.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service has reiterated its firm commitment to combating organised crime, protecting vulnerable persons, and ensuring that all individuals involved in human trafficking and cyber-related offences are brought to justice.