The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has reported that it has launched investigations into a suspected syndicate believed to be arranging and issuing fake marriage certificates to unsuspecting members of the public.

This illegal act was exposed to the authorities after a client’s marriage certificate, purportedly issued through the syndicate, was rejected by a foreign embassy during a visa application process.

There were inconsistencies that prompted the matter to be reported to the Assembly.

Confirming the detection, Head of Public Affairs at the AMA, Mr Gilbert Nii Ankrah, stated that the Assembly immediately referred the matter to the Ghana Police Service for a full-scale investigation.

He said the preliminary information gathered so far suggested that the individuals involved had been issuing forged documents under the guise of facilitating marriage registration at the AMA.

Mr Ankrah noted that although no arrests had been made yet, the Assembly is fully cooperating with the police to unravel the network behind the fraudulent scheme and identify all persons involved.

He stressed that the AMA would not accommodate any move aimed at compromising the integrity of its marriage registration processes.

Adding that the public must only transact marriage-related businesses directly with the AMA at its Marriage Registry.

“The matter is currently under investigation, and we urge the public to remain vigilant. Anyone who has been approached by such individuals or suspects foul play should report immediately to the Assembly or the nearest police station,” he stated.

He entreated the general public to report any of such issues and urged them to verify the authenticity of their marriage certificate from the Assembly.

The suspects are currently under investigation by the Ghana Police Service to determine the full extent of their operations and bring all offenders to justice.

Regarding efforts to bust syndicates, the Ghana Police Service rescued Fifty-seven (57) Nigerian nationals from a human trafficking and cybercrime syndicate operating at Adom Estates, Community 25.

This followed a strategic operation that took place on Wednesday, October 22, led by the CID’s Operations Unit following intelligence gathered on the group’s activities.

The operation led to the arrest of five suspects alleged to be the master minds behind the syndicate. They include Joel Nosa, Collins Rotimi, Shadrack Lulu, Austin Amahuaro, and John Uloko.

According to the Police’s preliminary investigations, which were announced through a statement, these suspects lure their victims with promises of jobs and education, and when they finally arrive, they are forced into fraudulent online activities such as romance scams and other illegal activities.

According to a press statement issued by Chief Inspector Brigitte Babanawo, Public Relations Officer of the CID, “Upon arrival, the victims, aged between 18 and 26 years, were coerced into engaging in online romance scams and other heinous activities,” the statement said.

During the operation, police retrieved 77 laptops, 38 mobile phones, two vehicles, three television sets, and other internet-enabled devices suspected to have been used in the crimes. The 57 rescued victims are currently receiving care and support, while the suspects remain in police custody, assisting with further investigations.

The seized items have been retained for forensic analysis.

The Police Service has urged the public, especially young people, to be cautious about offers of employment, education, or travel made through social media and other unverified sources.

“The Police reiterate their determination to combat human trafficking, cybercrime, and related offenses, and urge anyone with credible information on such activities to report to the nearest police station,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), in a joint operation on Friday, October 17, busted a human trafficking syndicate operated mainly by Ghanaians and Ivorians.

In a statement shared the same day, the crime intelligence agency announced that following the raid, it had successfully rescued 26 victims of human trafficking, comprising sixteen (16) Ghanaians and ten (10) Ivorians.

These nationals had fallen victim to job opportunity scams run by individuals posing as recruitment agents for QNET, a multinational company known for its wellness and lifestyle products.

The operation, dubbed “Operation Quest,” was conducted by EOCO’s Anti-Human Trafficking Unit in collaboration with QNET, around 10:30 a.m.

“The operation, code-named Operation Quest, followed intelligence that some foreigners and Ghanaians had been trafficked under the guise of employment with the QNET Company — a reputable organisation that trades in wellness and lifestyle products.

The suspects include two (2) Ivorians and seven (7) Ghanaians, while the victims were made up of ten (10) Ivorians and sixteen (16) Ghanaians,” the statement noted.

The organisation clarified that these individuals had no legitimate ties to the company and were exploiting QNET’s reputation to carry out their illicit activities.

“All nine (9) suspects are currently in the custody of EOCO to assist in investigations,” parts of the statement added.

EOCO cautioned the public against falling for such scams and advised that all reports of employment offers purportedly from QNET be directed to the appropriate authorities. It also reminded the public that the company is working to restore its reputation, which has suffered due to impersonation by groups and agencies using its name for fraudulent recruitment schemes.

“EOCO wishes to advise the general public to report all cases of individuals and groups who claim to be agents of QNET who can provide job opportunities at the company, either in Ghana or abroad.