The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested or detained more than 130 people in a fresh crackdown on an internet scam centre in Ghana targeting Americans.
FBI Director, Kash Patel, disclosed this in a post on X on Thursday, saying the operation had so far identified nearly $10 million in losses involving 89 victims, while more than 300 devices were seized.
Patel said the operation was carried out under “Operation Blackout”, the FBI’s global campaign against scam centres involved in fraud targeting American citizens.
“Another takedown this week out of Ghana,” Patel said, adding that the investigation was ongoing.
He said some of those arrested or detained were victims who would be repatriated to their home countries.
“Nearly $10 million in identified losses so far – 89 victims identified – 130+ individuals arrested or detained (including victims who will be repatriated to home country) – 300+ devices seized,” Patel said.
The FBI Director said the scam compounds targeted American citizens, adding that the latest operation formed part of the bureau’s wider efforts to disrupt international scam networks.
“These scam compounds target American citizens and destroy lives – and this FBI is crushing them in every corner of the world. More to come,” he said.
Patel also gave an update on the cumulative figures from Operation Blackout, saying the campaign had so far resulted in the seizure of roughly $17 billion.
He said the operation had also led to the arrest of hundreds of alleged scammers and the freeing of thousands of trafficked workers.
According to Patel, 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 Ghana operation was continuing.
