EOCO rescued 219 victims from a trafficking and cybercrime ring in Oyarifa. The victims, mostly young West Africans, were held under abusive conditions. Evidence of online fraud was found, and repatriation plans, especially for Nigerians, are in progress. Similar operations are ongoing nationwide.

In a major operation led by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), 219 individuals, the majority of whom are foreign nationals, have been rescued from a suspected human trafficking and cybercrime ring operating in the Oyarifa area, a suburb of Accra. The victims, mainly young people from various West African countries, were enticed into Ghana with promises of well-paying jobs and the prospect of a better life. However, upon arrival, they found themselves held captive under oppressive and exploitative conditions, with their freedom severely restricted.

During a press briefing, EOCO’s Acting Executive Director, Abdul Bashiru, disclosed that many of the victims had been confined for prolonged periods, with some having endured captivity for over a year. Bashiru shared a harrowing account from a Nigerian victim who revealed that he was fed only once a day and was not allowed to leave the premises. This stark testimony underscores the extent of the abuse faced by the victims.

At the site of the operation, authorities uncovered a wealth of evidence, including laptops, internet routers, and other equipment believed to be used in facilitating online fraud activities. The victims were kept in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions and were forced to work long hours under constant surveillance, contributing to the criminal network's operations.

EOCO, in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), the Nigerian High Commission, and other international partners, has initiated a comprehensive screening process. The goal is to distinguish between victims and suspects, as well as to identify any minors among those rescued. Journalists present during the operation at Kunzak Estates in Oyarifa captured images of suspects being lined up and screened, some of them resting on EOCO’s premises as investigations continued. Authorities have stated that they anticipate completing the screening process within 24 hours.

Abdul Bashiru emphasized EOCO's determination to dismantle the entire trafficking network, stating, “We have developed strategies for enhanced collaboration between EOCO and the CID to intensify our efforts in combating transnational organized crime.” The process of repatriating the victims, particularly those from Nigeria, is already underway, and EOCO has also confirmed that similar operations are being conducted in other parts of the country, targeting what they describe as a "well-coordinated trafficking network."

This latest operation underscores Ghana's increasing significance as both a transit and destination point in the global fight against human trafficking and cybercrime.