The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ghana has confirmed the arrest of six Ghanaians in Zambia on August 23, 2026. They were part of a group of 79 individuals, including 10 Zambians and 63 other foreign nationals, arrested during a joint operation targeting a facility suspected of organised cybercrime activities in Lusaka. The operation was conducted by the Zambia Police Service, the Drug Enforcement Commission, and the Department of Immigration.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, some of the Ghanaians had been lured to Zambia with fraudulent employment opportunities before being forced into online scam activities. The victims were allegedly recruited for online data-entry positions but had their passports confiscated by their employers, who then coerced them into participating in illicit activities.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has highlighted the use of fraudulent job opportunities by human trafficking syndicates to lure unsuspecting job seekers into organised cybercrime. This modus operandi has been used to exploit vulnerable individuals seeking employment abroad. The Ministry has therefore advised Ghanaians to exercise extreme caution when seeking employment or travelling to Zambia.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged Ghanaians living in Zambia to remain vigilant when responding to online employment opportunities. They are also advised to maintain regular contact with the Ghana High Commission in Lusaka for consular assistance when necessary. This advisory is part of the government's efforts to safeguard the welfare and interests of Ghanaians travelling or residing abroad.
The joint operation that led to the arrest of the 79 individuals was a collaborative effort between Zambian law enforcement agencies. The Zambia Police Service, the Drug Enforcement Commission, and the Department of Immigration worked together to target the facility suspected of organised cybercrime activities.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has assured Ghanaians that it is working to ensure the well-being of the arrested individuals. The government is also taking steps to prevent similar incidents in the future by raising awareness about the risks of organised cybercrime and human trafficking.
The arrest of the six Ghanaians in Zambia serves as a reminder of the risks associated with organised cybercrime and human trafficking. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to advise Ghanaians to be cautious when seeking employment or travelling abroad and to verify the authenticity of employment offers and prospective employers.
Key points
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises Ghanaians to exercise extreme caution when seeking employment or travelling to Zambia.
- Six Ghanaians were among 79 people arrested in Zambia for suspected organised cybercrime activities.
- The operation was conducted by the Zambia Police Service, the Drug Enforcement Commission, and the Department of Immigration.
