The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has apprehended 17 foreign nationals suspected of being involved in a cyber fraud operation and rescued 85 individuals believed to be victims of human trafficking during an intelligence-driven operation at Dawhenya in the Greater Accra Region.

The operation, which took place in the early hours of Sunday, July 26, was carried out at a facility located opposite the China West Mall, which authorities suspect was being used as a base by the alleged criminal group.

The property is reportedly owned by Oga Toyas, the Chief Executive Officer of TOYAS Group Limited.

According to the GIS, personnel from its National Enforcement Team acted on information from residents and raided the facility, where they intercepted 102 West African nationals linked to the suspected activities.

Initial investigations revealed that 79 males and six females among those found at the location were allegedly victims of human trafficking and forced labour. The remaining 17 individuals are suspected members of a cyber fraud syndicate who were also found to be staying in Ghana without legal authorisation.

The Service said officers uncovered indications of harsh treatment, especially among the male victims, who were allegedly subjected to physical abuse and forced to live under difficult conditions.

The GIS explained that the six female victims and the 17 suspected cyber fraud operators have been taken to its headquarters in Accra for questioning, profiling and further investigations.

The 79 male victims have meanwhile been moved to a safe facility as authorities engage relevant agencies to arrange their protection and eventual return to their respective countries.

The Immigration Service noted that the suspected leaders of the operation were not present when officers carried out the raid.

“The team encountered the absence of the main kingpins during the operation. Investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest the masterminds behind these criminal activities,” the GIS stated.

The Service said the operation was conducted in line with provisions of the Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694), which criminalises trafficking offences and imposes a minimum five-year prison sentence for persons convicted.

In another development, the Ashaiman Sector Command of the GIS detained 93 Nigerian women between the ages of 15 and 44 during a separate intelligence-led compliance exercise at Tsina-Agbe.

The action followed concerns raised by the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly and the Municipal Security Council regarding the alleged involvement of foreign nationals in prostitution-related activities.

The GIS said the women are being kept at a secure location while preparations are made for their repatriation to Nigeria in accordance with legal procedures.

The Service reiterated its commitment to protecting Ghana’s borders, fighting irregular migration, disrupting cross-border criminal networks and safeguarding victims of human trafficking and exploitation.