Fraud centre raid was locally led, Ghana rejects FBI claims

Ghana's Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has vehemently rejected claims that the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) independently led a recent operation targeting suspected cybercrime centres in the country. The operation, dubbed "Operation Blackout" or "Operation Cyber Hunt," was allegedly planned and coordinated by Ghanaian authorities, according to the CSA.

In a statement on its X platform, the CSA clarified that the exercise was carried out under Ghanaian leadership with assistance from domestic and international law enforcement agencies. The statement emphasized that the operation did not comply with foreign operational command and that foreign agencies were not permitted to independently exercise police powers or conduct arrests within Ghana's legal framework.

The CSA acknowledged the contributions of international partners, particularly the FBI and the UK's National Crime Agency, in providing intelligence to support the investigation. However, the authority maintained that Ghanaian institutions and other international partners played crucial roles in the operation's execution. The operation, which took place after intelligence received on August 26, 2026, about suspected cybercrime activities in Greater Accra Region, resulted in the arrest of eight suspects and the rescue of 120 individuals suspected of being trafficked and exploited for online fraud.

The CSA also revealed that items recovered during the operation included numerous electronic devices, vehicles, and passports. The agency reiterated its commitment to combating cybercrime and protecting victims, as well as its dedication to ensuring that public accounts of the operation accurately represent the contributions of all participating agencies.