FBI arrests 130 over Ghana scam-centre operation

WASHINGTON — The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced the arrest and detention of more than 130 people in Ghana in a crackdown on an alleged international scam-centre network targeting American citizens.

FBI Director Kash Patel disclosed this on his X platform on Thursday while providing an update on what he described as “Operation Blackout”, a global campaign against scam centres.

According to Patel, the latest operation in Ghana has so far identified nearly $10 million in losses involving 89 victims, while more than 300 devices were seized.

He said more than 130 individuals had been arrested or detained, including people identified as victims who would be repatriated to their home countries.

“Another takedown this week out of Ghana,” Patel said, adding that the investigation was ongoing.

He said the alleged scam compounds targeted American citizens and described the operation as part of the FBI’s broader efforts to disrupt such networks around the world.

Patel also gave an update on the cumulative results of Operation Blackout, saying about $17 billion had been seized since the campaign began.

He said the operation had also resulted in the arrest of hundreds of alleged scammers and the rescue of thousands of trafficked workers.

According to the FBI director, more than 10,000 Americans had been warned before losing their money, while an estimated $670 million in losses had been prevented.

Patel said the investigation into the latest operation was continuing, promising that more details would be released.