The Cyber Security Authority of Ghana, working with the Greater Accra Regional Command and the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service, has carried out coordinated operations that led to the arrest of suspects involved in separate cybercrime schemes in the Greater Accra and Volta regions.
According to information released by the Cyber Security Authority, the first operation targeted a suspected SIM box fraud network operating across three locations in the Sakumono area. SIM box fraud involves the illegal routing of international calls through local networks to bypass charges, causing significant revenue losses to the telecommunications sector.
During the Sakumono operation, security personnel dismantled the infrastructure used for the illegal activity and arrested three Nigerian nationals suspected to be directly involved in the operation. A Ghanaian landlord linked to the premises where the equipment was installed was also arrested. Authorities say investigations are ongoing to establish the full extent of each suspect’s involvement and whether others are connected to the network.
In a separate operation conducted at Vakpo in the Volta Region, a three member syndicate made up of Ghanaian nationals was arrested for alleged involvement in impersonation, sextortion and mobile money related fraud. Investigators say the suspects posed as public officials in order to deceive and defraud members of the public.
According to officials, the suspects in the Vakpo case allegedly impersonated the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, using the false identity to solicit money and engage in other fraudulent online activities. Security agencies say digital evidence was gathered during the operation to support the charges.
All individuals arrested in both operations have been processed and are expected to be put before court. Authorities have not yet disclosed the specific charges but say the suspects will face prosecution in accordance with Ghana’s cybercrime and criminal laws.