141 suspected cybercriminals arrested in Tabora and Lashibi

A joint security operation has led to the arrest of 141 suspected cybercriminals have been arrested in Tabora and Lashibi following an intelligence-led dawn raid.

The Minister of Communications, Sam Nartey George, announced the operation in a post on X on Saturday, detailing a coordinated effort involving the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), the Ghana Police Service, National Security and the Ghana Immigration Service.

According to the minister, the early-morning operation targeted “organised cybercrime networks involved in Mobile Money (MoMo) fraud and Business Email Compromise (BEC) scams” across key locations in Tabora and Lashibi.

He disclosed that “100 suspects were arrested in Tabora, while 41 suspects were apprehended in Lashibi, resulting in a total of 141 arrests,” adding that preliminary investigations suggest the suspects are believed to be Nigerian nationals.

Mr George further revealed that security agencies recovered “38 laptops and 150 mobile phones, suspected to have been used in the commission of cyber-enabled financial crimes.” He noted that forensic analysis has already begun on the seized devices as part of ongoing investigations.

In a significant development, the minister said the operation also led to the arrest of a Ghanaian landlord who allegedly accommodated 100 of the suspects in his residence.

“The team also arrested the Ghanaian landlord who accommodated 100 of the suspects in his house,” he stated.

Emphasising shared responsibility in the fight against crime, Mr George stressed that “landlords have a duty to ensure that their premises are not used to facilitate or perpetuate crime.”

The minister listed a range of alleged criminal activities linked to the suspects, including “Mobile Money (MoMo) fraud, romance scams, sextortion, Business Email Compromise (BEC) and wire fraud,” describing them as part of a growing web of cyber-enabled financial crimes affecting victims locally and internationally.

Providing assurance on due process, he said, “Forensic analysis of the seized devices is underway, and individuals found to be culpable will be processed in accordance with Ghanaian law.”

Mr George also appealed to the public to play an active role in safeguarding the digital space.

“The public is urged to remain vigilant, report suspicious digital activities, and continue to support national efforts to combat cybercrime,” he wrote.

While reaffirming Ghana’s openness to lawful business and regional cooperation, the minister issued a stern warning to criminal elements.

“Ghana remains welcoming to all of our friends and neighbours interested in legitimate enterprise,” he noted, but cautioned that “if you are interested in committing a cybercrime, we will find you, arrest you, and deal with you decisively according to our laws.”

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The operation forms part of broader national efforts to disrupt organised cybercrime networks and protect Ghana’s digital economy, as authorities intensify surveillance, intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration to clamp down on fraud syndicates operating within the country.