93 Nigerians arrested, 73 victims rescued in GIS DEVTRACO raid
The raid targeted six houses at DEVTRACO Estate, where investigators say they uncovered an alleged internet fraud network operating from the property.
An intelligence-led operation by the Ghana Immigration Service has led to the arrest of 93 Nigerian nationals and the rescue of 73 people said to have suffered abuse inside a residential estate in Accra.
The raid targeted six houses at DEVTRACO Estate, where investigators say they uncovered an alleged internet fraud network operating from the property.
According to immigration authorities, the victims rescued during the operation had been subjected to torture and other forms of mistreatment. They have since been returned to Nigeria.
Those arrested include 91 men and two women. Officials say they are being investigated over suspected internet fraud and immigration-related offences.
The operation was led by Deputy Superintendent of Immigration Newman Akuffo of the Service’s National Operations unit.
Officers also recovered a large quantity of items believed to have been used in the alleged criminal enterprise. These included 82 laptops, 57 mobile phones, 17 television sets, counterfeit US dollars and fake gold bars.
The Ghana Immigration Service said preliminary findings suggest that some of the suspects entered the country through unauthorised border routes, while others remained in Ghana beyond the period allowed under the 90-day visa-free arrangement.
Investigations are continuing at the Service’s National Headquarters in Accra.
In the aftermath of the operation, the Comptroller-General of Immigration warned foreign nationals to comply with Ghana’s immigration laws.
Authorities pointed to the Human Trafficking Act, 2005, which criminalises the recruitment, transport or harbouring of people through force, deception or abuse for exploitative purposes. The law provides for prison terms ranging from five to 20 years, and in some cases life imprisonment.
Officials also cited the Immigration Act, 2000, under which unlawful entry through unapproved routes and visa overstay offences can attract fines or prison terms of between three months and two years upon conviction.
The raid is being seen as one of the more significant recent operations against alleged cyber fraud and trafficking-linked activity in Ghana, amid increasing concern over criminal networks operating from residential neighbourhoods.
