The Economic and Organised Crime Office EOCO confirmed the arrest of 12 individuals suspected of involvement in organized cybercrime during a targeted weekend raid in East Legon. According to a Citi Newsroom report the operation followed intelligence gathering that identified a specific residential location used as a hub for internet fraud activities. Officers reportedly entered the building and detained the occupants who are currently being processed for further interrogation.
During the search of the premises the Economic and Organised Crime Office officers seized dozens of laptops and mobile phones alongside various networking equipment suspected to be used for illicit operations. A GhanaWeb report states that the suspects were allegedly involved in romance scams and investment fraud targeting victims internationally. The EOCO has not yet released the full names of the 12 suspects but maintains that they remain in custody while investigations continue.
A spokesperson for the Economic and Organised Crime Office indicated that the raid forms part of a broader national strategy to sanitize the digital space and protect the reputation of Ghana in the international community. The Daily Graphic reports that the agency is currently working with forensic experts to analyze the data retrieved from the seized electronic devices to identify potential victims and additional accomplices who might be part of the same network.
While the initial Citi Newsroom report characterized the operation as a dismantling of a major ring the specific charges against the 12 suspects are yet to be finalized in a court of law. The Economic and Organised Crime Office stated that once the preliminary investigations are concluded the case will be handed over to the Attorney Generals Department for prosecution. The suspects are presumed innocent until a court of competent jurisdiction proves otherwise regarding their alleged involvement in cybercrime syndicates.