Cyber Security Authority Nets 141 Suspects in Major Crackdown
The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) Ghana, in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, National Security, and the Ghana Immigration Service, has arrested 141 suspects involved in Mobile Money (MoMo) fraud and other cyber-enabled financial crimes. The operation was carried out in Tabora and Lashibi, with 100 suspects arrested in Tabora and 41 in Lashibi.
Suspects Believed to be Nigerian Nationals
Preliminary investigations suggest the suspects are believed to be Nigerian nationals. Authorities seized 38 laptops and 150 mobile phones suspected to have been used in the commission of cyber-enabled financial crimes. A Ghanaian landlord who accommodated 100 of the suspects was also arrested.
Crimes Involved
The suspects are alleged to have been involved in various cybercrimes, including:
– *MoMo Fraud*: Mobile Money fraud
– *Romance Scams*: Deceiving people through fake relationships
– *Sextortion*: Blackmailing individuals using explicit content
– *Business Email Compromise (BEC)*: Hacking business emails to steal money
– *Wire Fraud*: Transferring money illegally
Forensic Analysis Underway
Forensic examination of the seized devices is currently underway, and individuals found culpable will be processed in accordance with Ghanaian law .
Government’s Stance
Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George warned that Ghana is open to legitimate business but will not tolerate cybercrime. “Ghana remains welcoming to all friends and neighbours interested in legitimate enterprise. However, if you are interested in committing cybercrime, we will find you, arrest you, and deal with you decisively according to our laws,” he said.
