EOCO arrests 219 human traffickers in major swoop

Abdulai Bashiru Dapilah - EOCO

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has arrested 219 Nigerian nationals. They are suspected of running a human trafficking ring in Ghana and other West African countries.

This operation involved collaboration with the police, army, and National Security. The arrests took place at an estate in Oyarifa, Greater Accra Region. Victims were also rescued during this operation.

At a press conference, Mr. Abdulai Bashiru Dapilah shared details about the victims. He noted that 11 of them were minors. Screening at EOCO offices identified 35 suspects directly involved in trafficking.

Mr. Dapilah explained how victims were lured into Ghana. They were promised lucrative jobs that did not exist. Instead, they were held hostage and forced into cybercrime activities.

Laptops, personal items, foodstuff, and other belongings were seized from the suspects. Mr. Dapilah called this operation a “major breakthrough” against human trafficking.

He mentioned that the Nigerian High Commission visited EOCO during screening. They urged both victims and suspects to cooperate with authorities. Screening is ongoing and should be completed soon.

Mr. Dapilah stated that arrangements will be made to send victims home after screening. EOCO is working closely with the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service on similar operations.

In a related incident last Saturday, police arrested Bella Merie, a 29-year-old Cameroonian national. Along with her, 43 other Cameroonians were arrested for internet fraud and human trafficking.

These arrests occurred at a residence in Kenyasi Abrem, Ashanti Region. Preliminary investigations revealed Bella Merie collected 4,500,000 CFA francs from victims under false pretenses of job offers in Ghana.

Source: GNA