{
  "id": 12384474,
  "title": "Fake jobs trap: Ghana warns citizens over forced cybercrime in Zambia",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/fake-jobs-trap-ghana-warns-citizens-over-forced-cybercrime-in-zambia",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-06T13:21:31.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Adom Online",
    "slug": "adom-online",
    "url": "https://www.adomonline.com/fake-jobs-trap-ghana-warns-citizens-over-forced-cybercrime-in-zambia/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ghana has issued a warning to its citizens about a troubling trend involving fraudulent employment schemes that lure them to Zambia. These deceitful job offers often lead to the victims being forced into cybercrime activities. The warning stems from the apprehension of six Ghanaian nationals in Lusaka on August 23, 2026, during a collaborative operation conducted by the Zambia Police Service, the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), and the Department of Immigration. This operation was aimed at a facility suspected of being engaged in organized cybercrime and resulted in the arrest of 79 individuals, comprising 10 Zambians and 69 foreign nationals, among whom were the six Ghanaians.\n\nReports from the Ghana High Commission in Lusaka indicate that some of these individuals allegedly fell prey to employment scams, particularly in the guise of legitimate online data-entry positions. Once they arrived, they were reportedly coerced into engaging in illicit online scam operations, with their passports taken away by their employers. This alarming development underscores the increasing reliance of human trafficking networks on fraudulent employment offers to entice unsuspecting job seekers into illegal activities. Consequently, the Ministry has strongly advised Ghanaians planning to travel to or seek employment in Zambia to exercise extreme caution and meticulously verify the legitimacy of employment opportunities, recruitment agencies, and prospective employers prior to making any moves.\n\nFurthermore, Ghanaians who are already residing in Zambia have been urged to remain vigilant and exercise caution when encountered with online job postings. The Ministry has also requested that they maintain regular communication with the Ghana High Commission in Lusaka to seek consular support whenever necessary. The government has reasserted its dedication to protecting the well-being and interests of Ghanaians who travel or reside abroad.",
  "summary": "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has warned Ghanaians about a growing trend of fraudulent employment schemes being used to lure them to Zambia, where some are allegedly forced into cybercrime activities. The Ministry said some Ghanaians recruited through purported legitimate job opportunities had been subjected to coercive conditions after travelling to Zambia. The warning follows […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "CPP warns money is turning Ghana’s politics into an ‘auction’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/cpp-warns-money-is-turning-ghanas-politics-into-an-auction",
        "published": "2026-10-06T12:09:49.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Chronicle Ghana",
        "title": "Foreign Ministry warns Ghanaians over fake Zambia job offers",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/foreign-ministry-warns-ghanaians-over-fake-zambia-job-offers",
        "published": "2026-10-06T14:41:58.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}