The FBI has led a successful operation in Ghana, arresting or detaining over 130 people suspected of involvement in an international scam operation. The operation, part of the FBI's global Operation Blackout, targeted scam centers accused of defrauding American citizens. According to FBI Director Kash Patel, the operation has identified nearly $10 million in losses and 89 victims.
The operation resulted in the seizure of over 300 electronic devices, which likely played a crucial role in the scam. Patel noted that not everyone detained was allegedly involved in the scams, as some of those identified were victims who are expected to be repatriated to their home countries. The investigation remains ongoing, with the FBI working to disrupt transnational scam networks and recover funds linked to victims.
The FBI's Operation Blackout has been instrumental in targeting international scam networks. According to Patel, the operation has so far resulted in roughly $17 billion being seized, hundreds of alleged scammers arrested, and thousands of trafficked workers freed. The FBI's international teams work closely with law enforcement partners to disrupt these networks and recover funds.
Ghana has been a significant location for these scam operations, with the country cooperating with US authorities in individual fraud investigations. In July 2026, a Ghanaian national was extradited to the United States to face allegations of defrauding over 80 elderly Americans of over $8 million through romance fraud schemes. This cooperation demonstrates the ongoing efforts between Ghanaian and US authorities to tackle cyber-enabled fraud.
The latest operation in Ghana adds to previous international efforts to tackle cyber-enabled fraud. In a 2025 pan-African cybercrime operation coordinated by INTERPOL, Ghanaian authorities arrested 68 people, seized 835 devices, and identified 108 victims, with losses estimated at US$450,000. US$70,000 was recovered in that operation, highlighting the ongoing challenge of combating cybercrime in the region.
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the impact of these scam compounds on American citizens, stating that they "destroy lives." The FBI is committed to disrupting these networks, with Patel adding that they are "crushing them in every corner of the world." The ongoing investigation and future operations will likely lead to further arrests and the recovery of stolen funds.
The FBI's efforts to combat cybercrime and protect American citizens from international scam operations are ongoing. With the support of international partners, the FBI aims to prevent further financial harm and bring those responsible to justice. Key outcomes of the operation include nearly $10 million in identified losses, 89 identified victims, over 130 individuals arrested or detained, and over 300 devices seized.
Key points
- The FBI's Operation Blackout has resulted in roughly $17 billion being seized and hundreds of alleged scammers arrested.
- The operation in Ghana identified nearly $10 million in losses and 89 victims.
- The FBI works closely with international partners to disrupt transnational scam networks and recover funds linked to victims.
