Cyber Security Authority insists Ghana led Operation Cyber Hunt, not FBI

Ghana's Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has formally dismissed claims made by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) regarding the leadership of a major anti-cybercrime mission. In a statement issued on October 8, 2026, the CSA clarified that "Operation Cyber Hunt" was fully orchestrated and led by Ghanaian authorities. While acknowledging the involvement of international partners, the CSA insisted that the operation was executed within Ghana’s legal framework and under domestic command, rather than being commanded by foreign agencies.

The operation proved highly successful, resulting in the arrest of eight suspects and the rescue of 120 individuals who had been trafficked for cybercrime activities. Security forces seized a significant volume of electronic evidence, including laptops, mobile phones, and other digital devices, alongside stolen property and illicit funds. The CSA highlighted that the mission involved collaborative efforts from various domestic and international bodies, including the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), though it maintained that these agencies provided support rather than direction.

The dispute arose after the FBI’s characterization of the operation suggested that the U.S. agency had spearheaded the mission. The CSA has urged the FBI to accurately represent the contributions of all involved parties, emphasizing the importance of respecting Ghana’s sovereignty in national security matters. The Authority reiterated its commitment to combating cybercrime through international cooperation but stressed that such partnerships must correctly credit the lead role played by Ghanaian institutions.

Reacting to the development, the Jatikay Centre commended the CSA for its efforts but noted that arrests alone are insufficient to curb the country's growing cyber-fraud problem. The Centre pointed out that cybercrime has become a significant social issue, with practitioners often attaining celebrity status as "Game Boys." Experts suggested that future efforts should focus more heavily on financial investigations, asset recovery, and robust public education campaigns to delegitimize cyber fraud within Ghanaian society.