Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has challenged United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel over his account of a recent operation targeting suspected cybercrime centres in Ghana, insisting that Ghanaian authorities led and coordinated the exercise with support from international partners.
In a statement issued on October 8, 2026, the CSA said the operation, known as Operation Cyber Hunt and also referred to as Operation Blackout in the FBI director’s announcement, was planned and executed under Ghana’s legal and institutional framework.
The Authority’s response followed a post by Patel announcing that more than 130 people had been arrested or detained in Ghana during a crackdown on suspected scam networks targeting Americans.
Patel reported that investigators had identified nearly US$10 million in losses involving 89 victims and seized more than 300 electronic devices. He added that the investigation was ongoing and clarified that the number of people detained included individuals suspected of being trafficking victims who would be repatriated.
The CSA rejected any portrayal of the Ghana operation as having been independently conceived, commanded or executed by the FBI.
According to the Authority, the exercise was led by the CSA, with support from Ghana’s National Security Council, the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Immigration Service and the Office of the Attorney-General.
International partners included the FBI, the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA), Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Joint Case Team on Cybercrime.
The CSA acknowledged the contributions of the FBI and the NCA, particularly their intelligence support, but stressed that the roles of all participating institutions should be accurately reflected in public statements.
It also maintained that foreign law enforcement agencies cannot independently exercise police powers or conduct arrests in Ghana without the involvement and authorisation of the appropriate Ghanaian authorities.
The Authority called on the FBI to clarify its public account of the operation and recognise the contributions of Ghanaian agencies and other international partners.
Eight suspects arrested, 120 people rescued
The CSA said the operation resulted in the arrest of eight suspects and the rescue of 120 people suspected of having been trafficked and exploited for online fraud.
The exercise followed intelligence received on August 26, 2026, concerning suspected organised cybercrime activities, including romance scams, operating from residential apartments in parts of the Greater Accra Region.
The locations identified included Ubuntu Haven Estate in Kpone Katamanso, Franko Estate in Ga North and other areas within Ga West.
Items seized during the operation included 136 mobile phones, 130 laptops, internet connectivity equipment and four vehicles. One of the vehicles was reportedly stolen from Canada. Investigators also recovered jewellery and 10 Nigerian passports.
According to the CSA, most of the rescued individuals were Nigerians, and arrangements were being made for their repatriation. Investigations into the suspects and the seized electronic devices were continuing.
The differing figures released by the CSA and the FBI reflect their separate public accounts of the operation. The FBI reported more than 130 people arrested or detained, including people it identified as trafficking victims, while the CSA reported eight suspects arrested and 120 people rescued.
Sam George also questions FBI’s account
The controversy also drew a response from Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations Samuel Nartey George, who said Ghanaian law enforcement and intelligence agencies led the operation with support from international partners.
He warned that portraying the exercise as solely an FBI operation could undermine future cooperation between Ghana and its international partners in combating transnational cybercrime.
The minister emphasised that tackling online fraud requires collaboration across borders and recognition of the contributions made by each participating agency.
The dispute has placed renewed attention on how international law enforcement operations are communicated to the public, particularly when local authorities and foreign agencies work together.
The CSA has reiterated Ghana’s commitment to combating cybercrime, protecting victims and cooperating with international partners, while insisting that public accounts of joint operations should accurately reflect Ghana’s leadership and the roles of all participating institutions.
Source: Thepressradio.com
