The Tema Regional Police Command has dismantled what it says has been a major human trafficking and cyber fraud syndicate operating from Peace Land in Ashaiman.

The operation led to the arrest of three suspects and the rescue of seven Nigerian nationals who had been held captive for months.

According to a statement issued by the Police on Friday, October 10, the operation was carried out by the Zenu–Atadeka District Police Patrol Team on Tuesday, October 7, at about 4:00 p.m.

The arrested suspects have been identified as Peter Okoyie, 36, a computer engineer, Jolly Ezekiel, 30, and Jolly Shadrack, 33.

Police investigations indicate that the suspects lured their victims from Nigeria into Ghana under the false promise of construction jobs in Tema. Upon arrival, the victims were taken to a house at Peace Land, Ashaiman, where they were confined and forced into cyber fraud activities.

According to police sources, the victims revealed that they were subjected to severe beatings and made to swear oaths of allegiance to their captors. Those who refused to participate in the criminal schemes were locked in a small 10x12-foot room, denied food and freedom of movement, and kept in poor conditions for months.

Each victim was reportedly given a laptop and trained to create fake romantic relationships with unsuspecting individuals abroad in order to defraud them of money. The syndicate allegedly operated with over 10 laptops, with senior members supervising the activities and sharing in the proceeds.

During a search of the suspects’ residence, police retrieved several items, including laptops, routers, mobile phones, household goods, and foodstuffs, which have been retained as exhibits to aid further investigation.

The statement noted that the victims, who had been held captive for about eight months, have since been rescued and are receiving care.

On Thursday, October 9, the three suspects were arraigned before the Ashaiman District Court, presided over by His Worship Derick Parden Eshun. They were charged with Conspiracy to Commit Crime, namely Human Trafficking, and Human Trafficking.

Their pleas were not taken, and the court remanded them into police custody to reappear on October 23. Police confirmed that the mobile phones retrieved from the accused have been sent to the Cyber Crime Unit at the Police Headquarters in Accra for forensic analysis.

The Tema Regional Police Commander has assured the public that investigations are progressing steadily and that the Command is working closely with the Ghana Immigration Service to facilitate the safe repatriation and reintegration of the victims with their families in Nigeria.

“The Command remains committed to safeguarding public safety and security,” the statement said.

“We urge members of the public to promptly report any suspected human trafficking or cybercrime activities to assist in the ongoing fight against organised criminal networks.”