The Ghana Immigration Service has arrested 93 Nigerian nationals for their alleged involvement in internet fraud and immigration-related offences during a major intelligence-led operation in Accra.
The operation, carried out at the DEVTRACO Estate, also led to the rescue of 73 victims who had reportedly been subjected to abuse by the suspects.
In a press release issued on March 9, the Service said the suspects comprised 91 males and two females.
According to the statement, the operation was led by Deputy Superintendent of Immigration, Newman Akuffo, from the National Operations unit of the Service.
“The intelligence-led operation led by Deputy Superintendent of Immigration (DSI) Newman Akuffo… targeted six houses within the DEVTRACO Estate, successfully rescuing 73 victims who had endured severe torture and abuse at the hands of the suspects,” the statement said.
The immigration officers also confiscated several items believed to have been used in the alleged criminal activities.
“These included counterfeit US dollars, fake gold bars, 82 laptops, 57 mobile phones, and 17 television sets, among other household appliances being used to support their activities,” the Service disclosed.
Preliminary investigations by the GIS indicate that some of the suspects may have entered Ghana through unauthorised routes, while others allegedly overstayed the 90-day visa-free period granted to nationals of member states under the Economic Community of West African States.
“Investigations by the Ghana Immigration Service revealed that some suspects entered Ghana via unapproved routes, while others overstayed their 90-day visa-free entry,” the statement added.
The immigration authorities say further investigations are ongoing at the Service’s national headquarters, while the 73 rescued victims have since been repatriated to Nigeria.
The Comptroller-General of Immigration also used the opportunity to caution foreign nationals to abide by the country’s laws.
“The Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694) prohibits recruiting, transporting, or harbouring individuals through force, fraud, or abuse for exploitation. Penalties include 5-20 years imprisonment… plus fines,” the statement said.
It further noted that under the Immigration Act, 2000 (Act 573), entering Ghana through unauthorised routes or overstaying a visa constitutes a criminal offence punishable by fines and imprisonment ranging from three months to two years.
Authorities say the suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.