Scammers arrested in Ghana and Nigeria as UK leads crackdown

An international law enforcement operation, hosted by the National Crime Agency (NCA) in London, has resulted in the arrest of nearly 30 suspected scammers in Ghana and Nigeria. The crackdown, which targeted criminal groups operating from Africa that defraud victims in the UK and globally, also saw Meta remove 3.7 million online profiles and accounts. The operation involved over 100 participants from 15 law enforcement agencies and technology companies.

Operational Details and Scope

The initiative, which took place between 6 and 9 October, focused on fraudsters using social media to target individuals with investment and impersonation scams. Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, Nigeria Police Force, and Ghanaian Cyber Security Authority, collaborated with industry representatives from companies such as Meta, Microsoft, and Google. This was the fourth such operation of its kind, and the first hosted by the NCA.

During the operation, 19 individuals were arrested in Sasaabi, Accra region, Ghana, with 303 electronic devices seized. In Ghana, 117 individuals were identified as victims of trafficking, pending their return to Nigeria. In Nigeria, nine people were arrested across Delta State, and 53 electronic devices, including laptops and phones, were confiscated. Ghanaian law enforcement also conducted raids on suspected scam centres, leading to further arrests and identification of trafficking victims.

Private sector partners identified $11 million in potential freezable funds. Meta also played a significant role in coordinating the event and encouraging broader private sector participation to disrupt scam operations. The funds used to facilitate the event were provided by the Home Office’s Integrated Security Fund.

Statements from Law Enforcement and Tech Industry

Nick Sharp, Deputy Director of Fraud at the NCA, stated that tackling fraud requires international cooperation. He highlighted how hosting law enforcement and technology companies enabled a strong response against criminals causing misery to victims. Chris Sonderby, VP and Deputy General Counsel at Meta, emphasised that scams are a global threat needing a global response, noting the removal of millions of accounts and leads on scam centres resulting in arrests and rescues.

FBI Director Kash Patel credited the partnership with the Department of Justice and the private sector for the arrests, seizures, and identification of funds, stating their aim is to demolish scam centres globally. Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva warned criminals that law enforcement worldwide is collaborating to stop their schemes. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro added that transnational fraud requires a transnational response, with law enforcement pursuing criminals across borders.

Lord Hanson, Minister for Fraud, acknowledged that overseas criminal gangs are responsible for most scams targeting the British public, making multi-agency operations critical. He mentioned that the new Online Crime Centre will build on this work to dismantle criminal networks. Chief Superintendent Amanda Wolf, Head of Report Fraud Operations, stressed the importance of every report in such joint operations.

What Happens Next

The NCA stated it will continue to work with international and private sector partners to tackle fraudsters operating overseas and online. The collaboration aims to send a clear message to criminals that law enforcement and industry capabilities will relentlessly pursue them and their infrastructure, regardless of their operating location.