Six Ghanaians Arrested In Zambia Over Organised Cybercrime

Six Ghanaians have been apprehended in Zambia in connection with alleged involvement in an organized cybercrime ring, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The arrests, which took place on August 23, 2026, were part of a joint operation involving the Zambia Police Service, the Drug Enforcement Commission, and the Department of Immigration in Lusaka. The six Ghanians are among 79 individuals detained during the operation, including 10 Zambians and 63 foreign nationals.

The statement from the ministry revealed that some of the Ghanaians were reportedly lured to Zambia through fraudulent employment opportunities, such as online data-entry positions. However, once they arrived, they were reportedly forced into online scam activities after their passports were confiscated by their employers. The ministry emphasized that human trafficking syndicates often use fraudulent job offers to lure unsuspecting job seekers into participating in illicit activities.

In response to the arrests, the ministry has issued a travel advisory for Ghanaians considering travel or employment in Zambia. It urges individuals to be extremely cautious and thoroughly verify the legitimacy of employment offers, recruitment agencies, and prospective employers before traveling. Additionally, the ministry advises Ghanaians residing in Zambia to remain vigilant when responding to online job opportunities and to maintain regular contact with the Ghana High Commission in Lusaka for consular assistance.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that these advisory measures are part of the government's commitment to protecting the welfare and interests of Ghanaians who travel or reside abroad. The operation to apprehend the six Ghanaians and the other 79 individuals was carried out by the Zambia Police Service, the Drug Enforcement Commission, and the Department of Immigration.