The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has arrested 93 Nigerian Nationals, comprising 91 males and 2 females, for alleged involvement in internet fraud and immigration-related breaches.

The intelligence-led operation led by Deputy Superintendent of Immigration (DSI) Newman Akuffo, from the National Operations of the (GIS), targeted six houses within the DEVTRACO Estate, successfully rescuing 73 victims who had endured severe torture and abuse at the hands of the suspects.

A statement signed by Maud Anima Quainoo, Deputy Commissioner of Immigration, and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra mentioned the confiscated items as: counterfeit US dollars, fake gold bars, 82 laptops, 57 mobile phones, 17 television sets, and other household appliances used to support their activities.

“Investigations by the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) revealed that some suspects entered Ghana via unapproved routes, while others overstayed their 90-day visa-free entry. Further probes continue at GIS National Headquarters, and the 73 rescued victims have been repatriated to Nigeria”.

The statement said the Comptroller General of Immigration urged all foreign nationals to comply with Ghanaian laws.
“The Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694) prohibits recruiting, transporting, or harbouring individuals through force, fraud, or abuse for exploitation. Penalties include 5-20 years imprisonment (life for child victims or aggravating factors) plus fines”.

It added that, under the Immigration Act, 2000 (Act 573), entering via unapproved routes or overstaying visas is criminal. Convicted offenders faced summary conviction, fines, and 3 months to 2 years imprisonment.