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The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has arrested 93 Nigerian nationals in Accra for alleged involvement in internet fraud and immigration-related offences following a major intelligence-led operation.
According to the GIS, the suspects, made up of 91 males and two females, were arrested during a raid on six houses at Devtraco Estate.
The operation was led by Deputy Superintendent of Immigration Newman Akuffo from the National Operations Unit of the Service.
Authorities also rescued 73 victims who were reportedly subjected to severe torture and abuse by the suspects.
Items retrieved during the raid included counterfeit US dollars, fake gold bars, 82 laptops, 57 mobile phones and 17 television sets, as well as other household appliances believed to have been used to support the suspects’ operations.
Investigations by the GIS further revealed that some of the suspects entered Ghana through unapproved routes, while others had overstayed the 90-day visa-free entry period granted to certain foreign nationals.
The Immigration Service stated that investigations are ongoing at its National Headquarters, while the 73 victims rescued during the operation have since been repatriated to Nigeria.
The Comptroller-General of Immigration has urged all foreign nationals living in Ghana to comply with the country’s laws.
The Service also reminded the public that offences under the Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694), which prohibits the recruitment, transportation or harbouring of persons through force, fraud or abuse for exploitation, attract penalties ranging from five to 20 years imprisonment. In cases involving child victims or other aggravating circumstances, offenders may face life imprisonment in addition to fines.
It also noted that under the Immigration Act, 2000 (Act 573), entering the country through unapproved routes or overstaying a visa constitutes a criminal offence punishable by fines or prison terms ranging from three months to two years upon conviction.
