The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested or detained more than 130 people in Ghana as part of an international crackdown on alleged scam networks linked to nearly $10 million in identified financial losses.
FBI Director Kash Patel announced the operation in a post on X on Thursday, October 8, 2026, describing it as part of Operation Blackout, a global initiative aimed at dismantling scam centres accused of defrauding American citizens.
According to Patel, investigators have so far identified 89 victims and seized more than 300 electronic devices in connection with the operation.
“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,” he stated.
Patel clarified that those detained were not all suspected perpetrators, explaining that some were victims of the alleged criminal networks who are expected to be repatriated to their respective countries.
He said investigations into the operations of the scam compounds were continuing, stressing that the networks had inflicted substantial financial damage on Americans.
“These scam compounds target American citizens and destroy lives,” Patel said, adding that the FBI is “crushing them in every corner of the world”.
The latest arrests form part of broader international efforts to combat cyber-enabled fraud, with Ghanaian law enforcement agencies previously participating in operations targeting similar criminal activities.
In 2025, Ghana took part in a pan-African cybercrime operation coordinated by the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), which led to the arrest of 68 people and the seizure of 835 electronic devices. Authorities also identified 108 victims, with reported financial losses estimated at US$450,000. About US$70,000 was recovered during the operation.
Ghana has also collaborated with US authorities on individual fraud cases. In July 2026, a Ghanaian national was extradited to the United States to face allegations of defrauding more than 80 elderly Americans of over $8 million through romance scams.
Patel further disclosed that Operation Blackout has contributed to the seizure of approximately $17 billion, the arrest of hundreds of alleged scammers and the rescue of thousands of trafficked workers.
The FBI says its international teams continue to work alongside law enforcement agencies in other countries to dismantle cross-border scam networks and recover money connected to fraud victims.
By: Prince Martey-Sogar.