The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has arrested 93 Nigerian nationals for alleged involvement in internet fraud and immigration-related offences following a major intelligence-led operation in Accra.
The suspects, including 91 males and two females, were apprehended during raids on six houses at the Devtraco Estate.
The operation, led by Deputy Superintendent of Immigration Newman Akuffo from GIS’s National Operations Unit, also resulted in the rescue of 73 victims reportedly subjected to severe torture and abuse by the suspects.
According to a press release from the GIS Public Affairs Department, items seized during the operation included counterfeit US dollars, fake gold bars, 82 laptops, 57 mobile phones, 17 television sets, and other household appliances believed to have been used to facilitate the suspects’ criminal activities.
Investigations revealed that some suspects entered Ghana through unapproved routes, while others had overstayed the 90-day visa-free period granted to certain foreign nationals.
Further investigations are ongoing at GIS’s National Headquarters, and the 73 rescued victims have been repatriated to Nigeria.
The Comptroller-General of Immigration has urged all foreign nationals living in Ghana to comply with the country’s laws.
The Service noted that under the Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694), the recruitment, transportation, or harbouring of persons through force, fraud, or abuse for exploitation is prohibited. Offences under the Act carry penalties ranging from five to 20 years in prison, with life imprisonment possible in cases involving child victims or other aggravating circumstances, in addition to fines.
The GIS also reminded the public that, under the Immigration Act, 2000 (Act 573)
