United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel has confirmed the dismantling of a major international scam syndicate operating within Ghana.
The operation forms part of an expansive global counter-fraud exercise codenamed ‘Operation Blackout’, aimed at destroying criminal compounds targeting American citizens.
The latest enforcement action in Ghana resulted in over 130 individuals being arrested or detained, with several trafficked victims set to be repatriated to their respective home countries.
Security operatives also seized more than 300 electronic devices used in executing financial scams, whilst identifying 89 victims and nearly $10 million in direct losses so far.
According to officials, investigations into the local network remain active and ongoing.
The illicit facilities operate as forced-labour compounds that carry out organized fraud schemes, causing severe financial and emotional harm to unsuspecting individuals across North America.
The broader international intelligence effort under Operation Blackout has yielded significant results worldwide.
Security agencies have prevented an estimated $670 million in financial losses, issued proactive warnings to over 10,000 potential victims before money was lost, and secured roughly $17 billion in seized assets globally.
Director Patel reiterated that international law enforcement agencies will maintain unrelenting pressure on cybercrime syndicates across every region, with further enforcement actions anticipated in the coming weeks.
In a statement shared on Twitter, Director Patel disclosed: “OPERATION BLACKOUT: this FBI’s global scam center fraud demolition. Another takedown this week out of Ghana: Nearly $10 million in identified losses so far, 89 victims identified, 130+ individuals arrested or detained (including victims who will be repatriated to home country), 300+ devices seized. Investigation is ongoing. These scam compounds target American citizens and destroy lives – and this @FBI is crushing them in every corner of the world. More to come. Operation Blackout totals so far: Roughly $17 BILLION seized, Hundreds of alleged scammers arrested, Thousands of trafficked workers freed, 10,000+ Americans warned before losing their money, $670 MILLION in estimated losses prevented.”
The identities of those arrested during the raid have not yet been disclosed by authorities.
It also remains unconfirmed whether the suspects will face prosecution in Ghana or be extradited to the United States.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana