The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has dismantled a suspected cybercrime and human trafficking operation at Dawhenya in the Greater Accra Region, arresting 17 foreign nationals believed to be part of the syndicate and rescuing 85 suspected victims.

The intelligence-led operation was conducted in the early hours of Sunday, July 26, at a property located opposite the China West Mall. According to the GIS, the premises, reportedly owned by the Chief Executive Officer of TOYAS Group Limited, Oga Toyas, had allegedly been used as a base for the group's activities.

The Service said officers from its National Enforcement Team carried out the raid after receiving intelligence from members of the public about suspected criminal activities at the location. In total, 102 West African nationals were intercepted during the operation.

Initial investigations indicate that 85 of those intercepted—comprising 79 men and six women—are suspected victims of human trafficking and forced labour. The remaining 17 individuals are believed to be members of the alleged cyber fraud network and are also suspected to have been living in Ghana without valid immigration status.

According to the GIS, officers found signs of physical abuse, particularly among the male victims, who were allegedly subjected to harsh treatment and kept under poor living conditions.

The six female victims and the 17 suspects have been placed in the custody of the GIS headquarters in Accra, where they are undergoing profiling, questioning and further investigations.

Meanwhile, the 79 male victims have been relocated to a secure holding facility as immigration authorities work with relevant state institutions to facilitate their safe return to their respective countries.

The GIS noted that the suspected ringleaders were not present when the operation was carried out, adding that investigations are continuing to identify and apprehend those believed to be behind the alleged criminal enterprise.

The Service said the operation was conducted under the Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694), which criminalises human trafficking offences and prescribes a minimum custodial sentence of five years upon conviction.

In a separate intelligence-led exercise, officers from the Ashaiman Sector Command detained 93 Nigerian women aged between 15 and 44 in the Tsina-Agbe area following concerns raised by the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly and the Municipal Security Council over alleged prostitution involving foreign nationals.

According to the GIS, the women are currently being held at a secure location while arrangements are made for their repatriation to Nigeria in accordance with Ghana's immigration laws.