Minister for Communications and Digital Innovation, Minister of Communications, Samuel Nartey George, has disclosed that a coordinated, intelligence-led operation has led to the arrest of 141 suspects linked to organised cybercrime networks involved in Mobile Money fraud and Business Email Compromise scams.

The early-morning operation on December 27, was carried out by the Cyber Security Authority Ghana in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, National Security, and the Ghana Immigration Service.

According to a post shared by Sam George on Facebook , "100 suspects were arrested in Tabora, while 41 suspects were apprehended in Lashibi, resulting in a total of 141 arrests. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are believed to be Nigerian nationals,"

He stated that law enforcement agencies also retrieved 38 laptops and 150 mobile phones believed to have been used in carrying out cyber-enabled financial crimes. Investigators say the suspects are believed to be Nigerian nationals alleged to have engaged in multiple criminal activities, including MoMo fraud, romance scams, sextortion, Business Email Compromise, and wire fraud.

The operation also led to the arrest of a Ghanaian landlord who allegedly accommodated 100 of the suspects in his residence. Authorities stressed that property owners have a responsibility to ensure their premises are not used to facilitate criminal activities.

Mr George noted that forensic analysis of the seized devices is ongoing and assured that those found culpable will be dealt with according to the law. “Forensic analysis of the seized devices is underway, and individuals found to be culpable will be processed in accordance with Ghanaian law,” he stated.

He urged the public to remain alert and support national efforts to combat cybercrime, while reaffirming Ghana’s openness to legitimate business activities.

“Ghana remains welcoming to all of our friends and neighbours interested in legitimate enterprise. However, if you are interested in committing a cybercrime, we will find you, arrest you, and deal with you decisively according to our laws,” he warned.

Earlier this year, Director of Fintech and Innovation at the Bank of Ghana, Kwame Oppong, raised concerns over the rising cases of mobile money fraud.

He explained that fraudsters are coming up with new ways to scam both mobile money vendors and users.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of the new leaders of the Mobile Money Advocacy Group, Oppong pointed out that Ghana’s mobile money regulations have been recognized as the best in the world, which is a big boost for the fintech industry.

However, he emphasized the importance of protecting this sector from fraud.

Since mobile money was introduced in Ghana, it has made sending and receiving money much easier. But with this convenience has come the problem of fraud, with both vendors and customers becoming victims.

To raise awareness and protect people in the industry, the Mobile Money Advocacy Group was formed. Over the past eight years, the group has traveled across all 16 regions of the country to educate the public and mobile money operators about fraud.

Despite some progress, fraud continues to be a challenge as scammers keep finding new tricks. To further strengthen the fight against fraud, the Mobile Money Advocacy Group has elected new executives who will lead the group for the next four years.

Kwame Oppong assured that mobile money is benefiting the country and needs protection from fraudsters.

Edward Ofori Agyemang, the new president of the Mobile Money Advocacy Group, shared that the group is working closely with the police to ensure the safety of mobile money vendors.

He also provided security tips on how to protect mobile money accounts from scammers.

Telecom giant MTN Group also confirmed a cybersecurity breach that may have compromised the personal data of approximately 5,700 customers in Ghana.

In a statement dated April 28, MTN acknowledged the incident, noting that while the full extent of the breach was still under investigation, "early indications are that about 5,700 MTN Ghana customers' data may have been affected."

The company emphasized that all its platforms remain functional and that it is closely monitoring its systems to safeguard operations. "The confidentiality, integrity and availability of our systems remain central to how we operate and serve our customers," MTN stated.

The affected customers will be contacted directly, according to the company, which has since launched a forensic investigation in partnership with top cybersecurity professionals. "We are working closely with leading cybersecurity experts and are conducting a forensic investigation to assess any impact to our environment in line with our established security protocols."

Although the investigation is ongoing, MTN urged all customers to take extra precautions. Users are advised to remain alert and follow standard cybersecurity practices. These include updating all MTN, Mobile Money (MoMo), and banking applications; using strong, unique passwords; and being wary of suspicious messages or links.

Customers are also reminded not to share sensitive information like passwords, PINs, or One-Time Passwords (OTPs) via phone calls, texts, or emails, and to enable multifactor authentication wherever possible. In cases of suspected fraud, MTN recommends placing a fraud alert with major credit bureaus.

"We understand that this incident may raise concerns," the company said, assuring customers that their privacy remains a top priority. "We will continue to contain and manage this matter carefully."

MTN has encouraged concerned customers to reach out through its toll-free number 100 for further information or assistance.