The operation was launched based on credible intelligence obtained by EOCO, which pointed to the presence of young Nigerians who had fallen victim to trafficking in Ghana.
In a significant breakthrough, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the Ghana Police Service have successfully apprehended a human trafficking syndicate involved in cybercrime activities. The joint operation led to the arrest of forty-nine Nigerian nationals in Accra, Ghana.
The suspects, consisting of 47 males and 2 females aged between 18 and 34, were taken into custody as part of the crackdown on human trafficking and cybercrime. EOCO revealed that the arrested individuals are believed to be connected to a network engaged in these illegal activities.
During the operation, law enforcement authorities uncovered a hideout used by the syndicate and seized crucial evidence.
Seventy laptop computers, two saloon cars, fifty-one mobile phones, nine internet modems, and various other devices were confiscated from the premises, shedding light on the extent of their cybercrime operations.
Subsequent investigation and screening of the suspects revealed that 45 of them were victims of human trafficking, having been deceived with promises of job opportunities before being coerced into participating in cybercrime activities upon their arrival in Ghana. The remaining four individuals were identified as traffickers responsible for orchestrating this criminal enterprise.
In a commendable move, the rescued victims have been repatriated to Nigeria, where they will be reunited with their families.
Meanwhile, the alleged traffickers, identified as Godstine Omoruyi, Junior Nosa Omoruyi, Marvelous Omoruyi, and Evbuomwan Idowu, have been presented before the court to face legal proceedings for their involvement in human trafficking and cybercrime.
The operation was launched based on credible intelligence obtained by EOCO, which pointed to the presence of young Nigerians who had fallen victim to trafficking in Ghana.
The victims, initially enticed with promises of employment opportunities, were later subjected to physical abuse and torture to maintain control over them and force their involvement in cybercrime.
Authorities are committed to ensuring that the perpetrators face the full weight of the law while providing necessary support and care for the rescued victims. Ongoing investigations aim to gather more evidence and dismantle the entire syndicate, bringing all those involved to justice.
This successful operation serves as a reminder of the concerted efforts being made by Ghanaian law enforcement agencies to combat human trafficking and cybercrime, protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation and ensuring a safer society.
Source: Tellusghana || Naa Lamley
