Ghana Immigration Service Rescues 73 from Abuse in Anti-Fraud Operation

Accra: The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has successfully arrested 93 Nigerian nationals, including 91 males and 2 females, for their alleged involvement in internet fraud and immigration-related breaches. This operation marks a significant step in addressing cross-border crime and ensuring the safety of individuals within Ghana. According to Ghana News Agency, the intelligence-led operation was spearheaded by Deputy Superintendent of Immigration (DSI) Newman Akuffo from the National Operations of the GIS. The operation targeted six houses within the DEVTRACO Estate and resulted in the rescue of 73 victims who had suffered torture and abuse at the hands of the suspects. Confiscated items included counterfeit US dollars, fake gold bars, 82 laptops, 57 mobile phones, 17 television sets, and other household appliances used to facilitate their illegal activities. Investigations by the GIS revealed that some of the suspects had entered Ghana through unapproved routes, while others had overstayed their 90-day v isa-free entry period. Further investigations are ongoing at the GIS National Headquarters, and the 73 rescued victims have been repatriated to Nigeria. The Comptroller General of Immigration has urged all foreign nationals to adhere to Ghanaian laws to avoid similar consequences. The statement from GIS emphasized the Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694), which prohibits the recruitment, transportation, or harboring of individuals through force, fraud, or abuse for exploitation, with penalties including imprisonment and fines. Additionally, the Immigration Act, 2000 (Act 573), criminalizes entering through unapproved routes or overstaying visas, with offenders facing fines and imprisonment.