A major human trafficking ring in Oyarifa has been busted by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
The intelligence based raid led to the rescue of some 219 individuals from the the hideout of the human traffickers.
Out of the number, 11 of them were found to be under the age of 18—seven females and 212 males. EOCO’s preliminary screening also indicate some 35 perpetrators are hiding amongst the number rescued.
He stated, “Unfortunately, upon arrival in Ghana, as there were no actual job opportunities, they were taken hostage and confined within the Oyarifa Estates. They were then coerced into engaging in cybercrime and related illegal activities.”
He added, “A number of laptops, personal belongings, internet devices, food items, and other materials were retrieved during the operation. With the support of the Ghana Police Service and the military, the victims were transported to the EOCO headquarters.”
The EOCO boss explained that a thorough screening exercise was being conducted to distinguish between victims and suspects, as well as to separate juveniles from adults and determine the specific nature of their involvement.
“Indeed, during the screening process and in a meeting with the Nigerian High Commissioner, many of the victims—particularly the juveniles—expressed regret and recounted the deceptive methods used to bring them to Ghana,” he added.
The EOCO boss also noted that ongoing operations aim to rescue Ghanaians who have become victims of human trafficking in other African countries, while intensifying efforts to clamp down on similar criminal networks operating within the country.
