US Justice Department targets West African scam networks
- The US Department of Justice announced 28 arrests and the removal of more than 3.7 million fraudulent online accounts.
- Authorities identified 117 suspected human trafficking victims in Ghana, while private-sector partners flagged more than $11 million in potentially freezable funds.
- The international operation targeted scam centres linked to cryptocurrency investment fraud and other online schemes.
The US Department of Justice announced 28 arrests following an international operation targeting scam networks across West Africa
Authorities removed more than 3.7 million online accounts and identified over $11 million in potentially freezable funds.
“Transnational fraud demands a transnational response,” according to US Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
The operation also led to the seizure of hundreds of electronic devices and the identification of 117 suspected human trafficking victims in Ghana.
“Thanks to brilliant partnership with the Department of Justice and the private sector, across multiple African countries, we arrested dozens of criminal actors, seized hundreds of devices, identified at least $11 million in potentially freezable funds, and truly saved lives,” according to FBI Director Kash Patel.
Investigators and private companies shared intelligence targeting scam centres in Nigeria, Ghana and other African countries during the week beginning 6 October.
The FBI reported that cryptocurrency investment fraud losses exceeded $7.2 billion in 2025, highlighting the financial scale of the threat.
The operation reinforces international cooperation between law enforcement and technology companies to disrupt online fraud and pursue criminal networks.
