EOCO busts 320 in massive human trafficking, QNET recruitment scam in Ashanti Region

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has arrested 320 people in a major operation targeting a suspected human trafficking and fake recruitment syndicate operating in the Ashanti Region.

Following a detailed screening exercise, EOCO identified 295 individuals as victims of human trafficking, while 25 suspects believed to have orchestrated the scam under the guise of the online marketing firm QNET were detained.

According to EOCO officials, the victims were lured from different parts of the country with promises of lucrative jobs, education, and travel opportunities. The recruiters, posing as QNET representatives, allegedly transported the victims and housed them at Kenyasi in the Kwabre East Municipality and Buoho in the Afigya South District.

Head of EOCO’s Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, Staff Officer Dominic Mensah, revealed that arrangements are underway to provide temporary shelter for the victims and to reunite them with their families after counseling and rehabilitation.

Meanwhile, QNET’s Head of Compliance, Theodocia Naana Bennieh Quartey, expressed deep concern over the persistent misuse of the company’s name by fraudsters. She said QNET is working closely with law enforcement agencies to trace and prosecute those exploiting the company’s identity for criminal purposes.

EOCO has reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling human trafficking and fraudulent recruitment networks across the country, warning the public to be cautious of fake online job and travel offers that demand upfront payments or make unrealistic promises.