By Sandra Kenneth
Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has strongly pushed back against claims that the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) independently led a recent high-profile crackdown on cybercrime syndicates in the country, asserting that the operation was entirely planned, coordinated, and commanded by Ghanaian authorities.
The joint security sweep, designated “Operation Blackout” or “Operation Cyber Hunt”, dismantled thriving online fraud cells operating out of the Greater Accra Region. However, friction arose following a post on X by FBI Director Kashyap Pramod Patel regarding the raid, prompting an immediate clarification from Accra.
“The Authority rejects any portrayal of the operation as independently conceived, commanded or executed by the FBI,” the CSA stated on Friday, emphasizing that foreign law enforcement agencies lack independent police powers or arrest authority within Ghana’s sovereign borders.
A Multi-Agency Effort Under Local Command
While firmly correcting the narrative on operational leadership, the CSA acknowledged the critical intelligence provided by international allies, including the FBI and the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA).
The successful raid was a product of extensive cross-border cooperation involving:
Ghanaian Leadership: The Cyber Security Authority, the National Security Council, and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.
Domestic Agencies: The Ghana Immigration Service and the Office of the Attorney-General.
International Partners: The FBI (USA), the NCA (UK), Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Joint Case Team on Cybercrime.
“International partnerships remain vital in tackling transnational cybercrime, but the respective roles of participating agencies must be accurately represented,” the CSA noted, calling on the FBI to publicly acknowledge the primary role of Ghanaian institutions.
Arrests and Human Trafficking Rescue
The crackdown targeted suspected cybercrime hubs spanning Ubuntu Haven Estate in Kpone Katamanso, Franko Estate in Ga North, and other locations across Ga West. Acting on intelligence received on August 26, 2026, security forces uncovered sophisticated bases running romance scams and organized online fraud.
The operation yielded significant results:
8 suspects taken into custody.
120 victims rescued from forced online fraud and human exploitation, the majority of whom are Nigerian nationals currently slated for repatriation.
Massive seizures, including 136 mobile phones, 130 laptops, various internet connection devices, jewellery, and 10 Nigerian passports.
Stolen property recovery, including four motor vehicles—one of which was confirmed stolen from Canada.
Reaffirming the nation’s zero-tolerance stance, the CSA declared that Ghana will not become a safe haven for criminal networks. Investigations into the seized digital evidence and detained suspects remain ongoing as authorities prioritize victim protection, due process, and the prosecution of offenders.
