Sam George warns FBI Director against taking sole credit for Ghana cybercrime operation

Samuel Nartey George, the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations for Ghana, has cautioned FBI Director Kash Patel against taking sole credit for a recent cybercrime operation. George warned that such an approach could be detrimental to future international cooperation. This warning follows a post by Mr. Patel on Thursday, announcing arrests and seizures under Operation Blackout, an FBI initiative targeting scam centers accused of defrauding victims, including American citizens.

George took issue with the framing of Patel's post, stating that it failed to acknowledge the leading role of Ghanaian law enforcement and intelligence agencies, as well as support from the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and the FBI.

George emphasized that "Ghanaian law enforcement and intelligence led the Cyberhunt operations, with primary support from the UK @NCA_UK and the @FBI you lead." He urged Patel to recognize the transnational nature of the fight against cybercrime, noting that Ghanaian law enforcement and intelligence agencies played a pivotal role in sting operations conducted between September 25 and 28, 2026.

These operations, carried out by Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority (CSA), the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service, and operatives from the National Security Secretariat, dealt a significant blow to cybercriminals. George stated that the John Mahama administration is committed to eradicating cybercrime and expressed gratitude to international partners, including the UK’s NCA and the FBI.

The Minister assured that the CSA would continue to collaborate with local and international law enforcement agencies to sustain these operations. Meanwhile, Mr. Patel's post indicated that the latest operation in Ghana had identified nearly US$10 million in losses and 89 victims, with over 130 individuals arrested or detained, and more than 300 devices seized.