Authorities are aware of cybercrime hideouts, but no action - Int'l Diplomatic Consultant

International Diplomatic Consultant Farouk Al-Wahab has criticized law enforcement agencies. He claims they are not acting against known cybercrime syndicates in the country.

Al-Wahab stated that Ghanaian security agencies know where these cybercriminals operate. This includes the Police Service, Immigration, Military Intelligence, and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). Many of these groups are based in urban areas. They often consist of 20 to 40 individuals.

“These groups don’t hide in single rooms,” he said. “They live in large rented properties funded by cybercrime proceeds.” He added that the Ghana Police Service is aware of this but has taken no substantial action.

He pointed out that a lack of coordinated enforcement allows these criminals to thrive. Bureaucratic delays and an ineffective judicial system worsen the situation. “The problem isn’t a lack of intelligence,” he noted. “The question is: does Ghana have the political will to act?”

His comments follow a recent operation by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). This operation uncovered a human trafficking and cybercrime network in Oyarifa, Accra. Over 200 foreign nationals were rescued from forced cyber fraud activities.

Al-Wahab warned that without action, Ghana could become a permanent base for displaced cybercriminals. “If we keep shielding known perpetrators, we risk our digital security,” he said.

In response, EOCO's acting Executive Director Abudulai Bashiru Dapilah offered a different perspective. He acknowledged suspicions about areas like Kasoa but emphasized the need for concrete intelligence.

“It’s easy to mention that human trafficking may be happening in Kasoa,” he explained. “But when you get there, which part do you target?”

Dapilah stressed that without solid intel on specific locations, law enforcement cannot act unlawfully by invading homes or knocking on doors.