The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced a crackdown on a suspected scam compound in Ghana, with more than 130 people arrested or detained and over 300 electronic devices seized.
FBI Director Kash Patel disclosed the development in a post on his official X account on Thursday, October 8, describing the operation as part of the bureau’s global campaign against scam centres targeting American citizens.
The operation, codenamed Operation Blackout, has so far uncovered nearly $10 million in identified financial losses and 89 victims, according to Patel.
He said investigations were continuing.
Trafficking Victims Among Those Detained
Patel clarified that the more than 130 people arrested or detained included suspected victims of human trafficking who are expected to be repatriated to their home countries.
The FBI has not publicly identified all those detained or provided details of the specific roles of the individuals involved in the suspected operation.
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The seizure of more than 300 devices is expected to form part of the ongoing investigation into the alleged fraud network.
The bureau said the scam compounds target American citizens and have caused substantial financial and personal harm.
FBI Gives Update On Global Crackdown
Providing an update on the wider Operation Blackout campaign, Patel said the initiative had resulted in roughly $17 billion in seized funds, hundreds of alleged scammers arrested and thousands of trafficked workers freed.
He added that more than 10,000 Americans had been warned before losing money, while estimated losses of about $670 million had been prevented.
The FBI has continued to work with international law enforcement partners to disrupt transnational fraud networks and identify those responsible.
The Ghana operation is the latest action announced under the campaign as investigations into the suspected scam network continue.
