Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has pushed back against claims suggesting that the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) independently led a major operation targeting suspected cybercrime centres in the country.
The Authority insisted that the operation, known as “Operation Blackout” or “Operation Cyber Hunt,” was planned, coordinated and executed by Ghanaian authorities, with support from local and international law enforcement agencies.
In a statement issued on Friday, October 9, 2026, the CSA responded to a social media post by FBI Director Kash Patel concerning the operation, stressing that Ghanaian institutions were responsible for leading the exercise.
The Authority explained that the operation was conducted under Ghana’s legal and institutional framework and was not carried out under the independent command of a foreign law enforcement agency.
According to the CSA, the operation involved Ghana’s National Security Council, the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Immigration Service and the Office of the Attorney-General.
Other participating agencies included the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA), the FBI, Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Ghana’s Joint Case Team on Cybercrime.
Despite rejecting the suggestion that the FBI independently led the operation, the CSA acknowledged the contributions of its international partners, particularly the FBI and the UK’s NCA, in providing intelligence to support the investigation.
The Authority also called on the FBI to clarify its public account of the operation and recognise the roles played by Ghanaian institutions and other participating agencies.
Eight Suspects Arrested, 120 People Rescued
The operation targeted suspected cybercrime centres in parts of Ghana’s Greater Accra Region.
According to the CSA, the exercise followed intelligence received on August 26, 2026, indicating that apartments at Ubuntu Haven Estate in Kpone Katamanso, Franko Estate in Ga North and other locations in Ga West were allegedly being used as bases for organised cybercrime, including romance scams.
The operation resulted in the arrest of eight suspects and the rescue of 120 people suspected of being trafficked and exploited for online fraud activities.
Items recovered during the exercise included 136 mobile phones, 130 laptops, internet connectivity devices, four vehicles and other digital equipment. Investigators also reportedly recovered jewellery and 10 Nigerian passports.
The Authority disclosed that most of the rescued individuals were Nigerians, adding that arrangements were being made for their repatriation.
Investigations into the suspects and the seized electronic devices are ongoing.
Reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to tackling cybercrime, the CSA said the country would not allow criminal networks to use its territory as a safe haven.
The Authority also emphasised the importance of protecting victims, preserving evidence, respecting due process and ensuring that offenders are prosecuted in accordance with the law.
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