FBI says nearly $10m in losses identified in Ghana scam-centre crackdown

The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced a major crackdown on a suspected scam-centre operation in Ghana, with more than 130 people arrested.

FBI Director Kash Patel said the operation had so far identified nearly $10 million in losses and 89 victims.

More than 300 electronic devices have also been seized as part of the ongoing investigation, according to Mr Patel.

“Another takedown this week out of Ghana: Nearly $10 million in identified losses so far, 89 victims identified, 130+ individuals arrested or detained (including victims who will be repatriated to home country), 300+ devices seized,” he wrote in a social media post on Thursday, October 8.

Mr Patel said the operation formed part of the FBI’s wider “Operation Blackout”, which targets international scam centres accused of defrauding American citizens and exploiting trafficked workers.

He said the investigation in Ghana remains ongoing, with some of those detained identified as victims who would be repatriated to their home countries.

“These scam compounds target American citizens and destroy lives - and this @FBI is crushing them in every corner of the world. More to come,” Mr Patel said.

According to the FBI Director, the broader Operation Blackout has so far resulted in roughly $17 billion in seizures, the arrest of hundreds of alleged scammers and the rescue of thousands of trafficked workers.

He also said the operation had warned more than 10,000 Americans before they lost money and prevented an estimated $670 million in losses.