The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has refuted claims made by the Director of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Kashyap Pramod Patel, regarding the command structure of a major anti-cybercrime exercise conducted in Ghana.
In an official statement addressing a post published on X by the FBI Chief, the CSA rejected any characterisation of the joint exercise—dubbed “Operation Blackout” or “Operation Cyber Hunt”—as an initiative independently conceived, commanded, or executed by foreign authorities. The Authority stated that the operation was planned, coordinated, and executed by Ghanaian law enforcement within the nation’s legal frameworks.
“Ghanaian authorities planned, coordinated and executed the operation within Ghana’s legal and institutional frameworks, and it thus cannot be said to be conceived as part of an FBI-led global programme, neither was it conducted under a foreign operational command,” the statement noted.
The CSA emphasized that while foreign agencies provide intelligence support, they lack independent jurisdiction to carry out policing powers or effect arrests on Ghanaian soil.
“Ghana is a sovereign Republic governed by its Constitution and laws. Foreign law enforcement agencies have no independent authority to exercise police powers or conduct arrests within Ghana. Their participation must take place through lawful cooperation, with the authorisation and involvement of relevant Ghanaian authorities,” the statement added.
While acknowledging the contributions of international entities—including the FBI, the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission of Nigeria (EFCC), and the Joint Case Team on Cybercrime (JCTC)—the CSA urged external partners to portray their roles accurately.
“The CSA acknowledges the valuable intelligence contributions of the FBI and the NCA. These partnerships support Ghana’s efforts to combat transnational cybercrime and remain important to effective investigations and operations. However, the contribution of international partners must be described accurately. The CSA calls upon the FBI to clarify its public account of the Ghana-led operation and acknowledge the contributions of the Ghanaian institutions and other international partners responsible for its execution,” the Authority urged.
The sweep followed actionable intelligence gathered on August 26, 2026, pointing to organized cybercrime bases operating out of residential estates across Greater Accra, including Ubuntu Haven Estate in Kpone Katamanso, Franko Estate in Ga North, and locations in Ga West.
The crackdown led to the arrest of eight suspects and the rescue of 120 individuals believed to have been trafficked for online fraud operations, predominantly Nigerian nationals. Officers confiscated 136 mobile phones, 130 laptops, four motor vehicles—including one reported stolen from Canada—ten Nigerian passports, digital equipment, and various pieces of jewellery.
The CSA confirmed that efforts are underway to repatriate the rescued victims, while digital forensic analyses and investigations into the detained suspects remain ongoing.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana