GIS Rescues 73 Nigerian Human Trafficking Victims at DEVTRACO Estate
The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has rescued 73 human trafficking victims at DEVTRACO Estate after busting a 93-member Nigerian internet fraud syndicate.
The victims identified as Nigerians were being kept in six houses under torture, according to the GIS.
The intelligence-led rescue operation was led by Deputy Superintendent of Immigration (DST) Newman Akuffo, from the National Operations of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS).
As part of the operation, the team confiscated items, including counterfeit US dollars, fake gold bars, 82 laptops, 57 mobile phones, 17 television sets, and other household appliances, which were being used to support their activities.
According to the GIS, some of the suspects entered Ghana via unapproved routes, while others overstayed their 90-day visa-free entry.
The victims have since been repatriated to Nigeria.
The GIS used the occasion to encourage all foreign nationals to comply with Ghanaian laws, emphasising that the Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694) prohibits recruiting, transporting, or harbouring individuals through force, fraud, or abuse for exploitation.
“Penalties include 5-20 years imprisonment (life for child victims or aggravating factors) plus fines,” it said, adding that entering via unapproved routes or overstaying visas will attract fines, and 3 months to 2 years imprisonment.
Story by Hajara Fuseini
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