Arrests in West Africa target scam networks

Authorities in Ghana and Nigeria arrested 28 individuals as part of an international operation aimed at dismantling online scam networks in West Africa. The operation, conducted between October 6 and 9, 2026, was coordinated by the United Kingdom's National Crime Agency (NCA) and involved law enforcement from several countries, including the United States, Ghana, and Nigeria.

Ghana operation yields significant findings

In Ghana, 19 people were arrested in Sasaabi, near Accra, and 303 electronic devices were seized. Authorities also identified 117 individuals as suspected victims of trafficking, who need to be repatriated to Nigeria. The operation highlighted the scale of the scam networks operating in the region.

Nigeria arrests and digital clean-up

In Nigeria, nine additional individuals were arrested, and 53 devices were seized. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, reported removing over 3.7 million accounts, pages, and groups linked to fraudulent activities targeting people in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Financial impact and scam methods

The U.S. Department of Justice reported that more than $11 million in funds potentially eligible for freezing were identified, though these amounts have not yet been frozen. The scams used various tactics, including fake job offers, impersonation of police or military officers, and fake investment platforms, especially those involving cryptocurrencies. Some networks were also linked to human trafficking.

Global efforts against cybercrime in Africa

This operation is part of a larger international effort to combat digital fraud in Africa. According to an assessment from June 2025, Interpol reported that more than 30% of reported crimes in West and East Africa are related to cybercrime. In September 2025, Interpol announced the arrest of 260 suspects in 14 African countries during the Contender 3.0 operation, which targeted sentimental scams and sextortion.

Recommendations for fighting cybercrime

Interpol's "African Cyberthreat Assessment Report 2026" suggests improving digital investigation capabilities, cross-border cooperation, and partnerships between law enforcement and private companies. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) emphasizes the need for incident response teams, training, and coordination to detect fraud, preserve digital evidence, and identify criminal networks. The success of these measures depends on judicial investigations, tracking financial flows, and protecting individuals forced into scam centers.