The FBI has announced the successful dismantling of a scam operation in Ghana, as part of its global Operation Blackout targeting transnational fraud networks. According to FBI Director Kash Patel, the operation in Ghana identified nearly $10 million in losses and 89 victims, while more than 130 people were arrested or detained. The investigation is ongoing, with over 300 devices seized during the operation.
The Ghana operation is part of Operation Blackout, a global effort targeting scam compounds involved in fraud against Americans. Since its inception, Operation Blackout has resulted in roughly $17 billion in fraud-related assets being seized, hundreds of arrests, and the freeing of thousands of trafficked workers. The initiative has also led to efforts to warn potential victims before they lose money, with over 10,000 Americans contacted so far.
The scam compounds targeted by Operation Blackout are large, fortified facilities where trafficked workers are allegedly forced to conduct fraud against victims abroad. According to Patel, criminal networks are increasingly moving their operations towards Africa as law enforcement pressure increases in Southeast Asia and other regions. The FBI's separate prevention effort, Operation Level Up, has reportedly contacted more than 10,000 potential victims and prevented hundreds of millions of dollars in losses.
Some of those detained in Ghana are victims who will be repatriated to their home countries. The identities of those arrested or detained, the locations of the operations, and the specific Ghanaian institutions involved have not been disclosed. It is also unclear whether any of those arrested will face prosecution in Ghana or extradition proceedings in the United States.
The announcement comes amid growing cooperation between Ghanaian and US authorities over transnational financial and cybercrime. In July, Ghanaian national Frederick Kumi was extradited to the United States to face charges over his alleged involvement in a romance-fraud network. Kumi, 31, was accused of being part of a network that targeted more than 80 elderly victims in the United States and allegedly defrauded them of more than $8 million.
Kumi was arrested in Ghana in December 2025 and extradited to the US on July 9, 2026. He faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy. The US authorities acknowledged the cooperation of several Ghanaian institutions in securing his arrest and extradition, including the Attorney-General’s Office, Economic and Organised Crime Office, Ghana Police Service, Cyber Security Authority, National Intelligence Bureau, and the FBI Legal Attaché Office in Accra.
Patel ended his announcement on the Ghana operation by saying "More to come," suggesting the bureau's campaign against international scam networks is continuing. The FBI has not provided further details on the identities of those arrested in Ghana or the precise location and nature of the operation. The investigation remains ongoing, with the FBI working to disrupt and dismantle transnational fraud networks worldwide.
Key points
- The FBI's Operation Blackout has resulted in roughly $17 billion in fraud-related assets being seized.
- The operation in Ghana identified nearly $10 million in losses and 89 victims.
- Over 130 people were arrested or detained in the Ghana operation.
