Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has warned that Ghana will remain an unfavourable destination for cyber criminals following the bust of a major cybercrime network.
The Minister gave the warning in a statement issued on Tuesday, October 13, after announcing the repatriation of 120 Nigerian nationals picked up during an operation codenamed Operation Cyberhunt.
“My sincere gratitude goes to the Ghana Air Force and the Ministry of Defence Ghana for facilitating the repatriation of 120 Nigerian nationals who were arrested during #OperationCyberhunt,” he said.
According to him, the operation was led by the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) in collaboration with local intelligence and security agencies and their counterparts in the United Kingdom, Nigeria, and the United States.
Mr. George explained that the 120 were allegedly trafficked into Ghana and forced to work for a cybercrime syndicate operating in the country. They were initially arrested during the swoop but were identified as victims and subsequently repatriated to Nigeria.
The operation also led to the seizure of 136 mobile phones, 130 laptops, internet connectivity devices, four motor vehicles, including one reported to have been stolen from Canada, jewellery, and 10 Nigerian passports.
“The team is processing 8 other persons for prosecution, and Ghana under President John Dramani Mahama will remain an unfavourable destination for cyber criminals,” he stated.
He reiterated government’s commitment to combating cybercrime and human trafficking.
He expressed gratitude to the Ghana Air Force and the Ministry of Defence for facilitating the repatriation exercise.
