FBI arrests 130 people in Ghana over $10m scam operation

The FBI has arrested more than 130 individuals in Ghana as part of a significant international crackdown on scam centers, designated Operation Blackout. According to FBI Director Kash Patel, the operation targeted organized criminal networks operating out of the country, which have been linked to approximately $10 million in identified financial losses. The crackdown marks a major step in the agency's efforts to dismantle the infrastructure used by international fraudsters to target victims across the globe.

During the raids, law enforcement officials seized more than 300 electronic devices, including computers and mobile phones, which are expected to provide further evidence as the investigation continues. The FBI confirmed that 89 specific victims have been identified so far in connection with the Ghana-based operations. Beyond the immediate arrests, the broader Operation Blackout initiative has been credited with preventing an estimated $670 million in potential losses for American citizens by disrupting scam activities before they could reach their targets.

The investigation into the arrested individuals remains active, with authorities working to distinguish between primary operators and those who may have been coerced into the schemes. The FBI noted that some of the detainees have been identified as victims themselves—likely trafficked or misled into working at the scam centers—and arrangements are being made for their repatriation. This operation underscores the increasing international cooperation required to combat sophisticated cyber-enabled financial crimes and protect the financial security of individuals worldwide.