6 Ghanaian victims of human trafficking arrested in Zambia cybercrime raid – Foreign Affairs Ministry

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has warned Ghanaians about potential human trafficking risks in Zambia following the arrest of six Ghanian nationals in a joint cybercrime operation in Lusaka. According to the Ministry, the arrests underscore a troubling trend in which unsuspecting Ghanaians are deceived with promises of legitimate jobs before being compelled into cybercrime activities.

The six Ghanaians were among 79 individuals apprehended on August 23, 2026, during a collaborative effort by the Zambia Police Service, the Drug Enforcement Commission, and the Department of Immigration. The targeted facility was suspected of engaging in organized cybercrime. The 79 detainees comprised 10 Zambians and 69 foreigners, including the six Ghanian suspects.

A travel advisory issued by the Ministry on Monday highlighted the "concerning trend of Ghanaians being lured to Zambia through fraudulent employment opportunities and subsequently subjected to coercive conditions and forced involvement in cybercrime activities." The Ghana High Commission in Lusaka reported that some individuals were recruited under the guise of legitimate positions, such as online data-entry jobs.

Upon arrival, some were allegedly forced to engage in online scam activities after their passports were confiscated by their employers. The Ministry emphasized that human trafficking syndicates are increasingly employing fraudulent job offers to entice job seekers into illegal activities. The Foreign Affairs Ministry has advised Ghanaians planning to work in Zambia to exercise extreme caution and thoroughly vet employment offers, recruitment agencies, and prospective employers before traveling.

It also cautioned Ghanaians already residing in Zambia to be vigilant when responding to online job opportunities and to maintain regular communication with the Ghana High Commission in Lusaka for consular assistance if needed. The Ministry urged Ghanaians facing difficulties in Zambia to seek help from the High Commission. The government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare and interests of Ghanaians traveling or residing abroad.