By Jones Anlimah
The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has arrested 93 Nigerian nationals suspected to be involved in internet fraud and immigration-related offences following a major intelligence-led operation at the Devtraco Estate.
The suspects, made up of 91 males and two females, were picked up during a coordinated raid on six houses within the estate.
According to the GIS, the operation was led by Deputy Superintendent of Immigration, Newman Akuffo, from the Service’s National Operations Unit.
The Service says the operation also led to the rescue of 73 victims who had allegedly been subjected to severe torture and abuse by the suspects.
Items retrieved during the operation include counterfeit US dollars, fake gold bars, 82 laptops, 57 mobile phones and 17 television sets, as well as other household appliances believed to have been used to support the suspects’ activities.
Preliminary investigations by the GIS indicate that some of the suspects entered Ghana through unapproved routes while others allegedly overstayed the 90-day visa-free period granted to nationals of member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The suspects are currently assisting investigations at the National Headquarters of the Ghana Immigration Service.
Meanwhile, the 73 victims who were rescued during the operation have been repatriated to Nigeria.
The Comptroller-General of Immigration is urging all foreign nationals living in Ghana to comply with the country’s immigration laws.
Under the Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694), recruiting, transporting or harbouring individuals through force, fraud or abuse for exploitation is prohibited and attracts penalties ranging from five to 20 years imprisonment. In cases involving children or other aggravating circumstances, offenders may face life imprisonment in addition to fines.
Similarly, the Immigration Act, 2000 (Act 573) criminalises entry into Ghana through unapproved routes or the overstay of visas. Offenders found guilty under the law may face fines or imprisonment ranging from three months to two years.
The Ghana Immigration Service says investigations into the case are ongoing.
