Police arrest 22 in Pokuase human trafficking, internet scam raid

A special cybercrime team set up by the Inspector-General of Police has arrested 22 suspects at Pokuase in the Greater Accra Region, after a raid linked to human trafficking and organised internet fraud.

Police said the operation was carried out on 12 February 2026 by the IGP’s Special Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team, with support from combat teams and the Surveillance Unit.

According to a police brief, officers moved in on a primary location at Pokuase-Afiaman, where they discovered what they described as a large cyber fraud hub — commonly called a “Yahoo Boy” base.

Police say the suspects were found actively using computer systems believed to be running international online fraud schemes.

Investigators say early findings point to an organised structure, including people assigned to enforce control and discipline over those believed to have been trafficked.

Police also said some of the younger suspects may themselves be victims, possibly held under coercion and forced labour.

The Ghana Police Service said it considers the group part of a wider trans-national criminal network involved in both trafficking and cyber fraud, and promised further action as investigations continue.

Police say they remain committed to protecting vulnerable persons and ensuring that those behind trafficking and cybercrime are prosecuted.