The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) of Ghana has issued a statement rejecting claims by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) that it led a recent cybercrime operation in Ghana. On October 8, 2026, the CSA released a press release stating that the operation, also known as Operation Cyber Hunt, was planned, coordinated, and executed by Ghanaian authorities. The operation was conducted with support from various local and international agencies.
According to the CSA, the operation was led and coordinated by Ghana's Cyber Security Authority, with support from the National Security Council, the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service, and the National Crime Agency of the United Kingdom, among others. The FBI and other international partners provided intelligence contributions, but the CSA emphasized that their participation was lawful and took place with the authorization and involvement of relevant Ghanaian authorities.
The CSA highlighted that Ghana is a sovereign republic governed by its Constitution and laws, and that foreign law enforcement agencies have no independent authority to exercise police powers or conduct arrests within Ghana. The authority acknowledged the importance of partnerships with international agencies, such as the FBI and the National Crime Agency, in effective investigations and operations. However, it called for accurate descriptions of their contributions.
The operation, which was conducted following intelligence received on August 26, 2026, uncovered suspected cybercrime centers in parts of the Greater Accra Region. Eight suspects were arrested, and 120 others suspected to have been trafficked and exploited for online fraud activities were rescued. The CSA stated that it is working to repatriate the rescued victims, who were largely identified as Nigerians.
The search team seized various items, including 136 mobile phones, 130 laptops, internet connection devices, four motor vehicles, one of which was stolen from Canada, and other digital equipment. The team also recovered jewelry and ten Nigerian passports. The CSA stated that investigations into the suspects and the seized devices are ongoing.
The CSA called on the FBI to clarify its public account of the Ghana-led operation and to acknowledge the contributions of Ghanaian institutions and other international partners responsible for its execution. The authority expressed its availability for constructive engagement to ensure the public record reflects the respective roles of all participating agencies.
The CSA reaffirmed Ghana's commitment to dismantling cybercriminal networks and protecting the public from online fraud. The authority stated that it would continue to strengthen intelligence-led investigations, inter-agency coordination, digital forensic capabilities, and international cooperation to effectively combat cybercrime.
Key points
- The Cyber Security Authority of Ghana led Operation Blackout, a cybercrime operation that resulted in the arrest of eight suspects and the rescue of 120 victims.
- The CSA disputes the FBI's claim that it led the operation, stating that Ghanaian authorities planned, coordinated, and executed the operation.
- The operation seized various items, including mobile phones, laptops, and digital equipment, and recovered jewelry and Nigerian passports.
