Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has insisted that Ghanaian authorities led Operation Blackout, also known as Operation Cyber Hunt, rejecting suggestions that the operation was independently conceived or commanded by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
In a statement dated Thursday, October 8, 2026, the CSA said the operation was planned, coordinated and executed under Ghana’s legal and institutional frameworks, with support from local and international law enforcement agencies.
The operation involved Ghana’s National Security Council, the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service, the UK’s National Crime Agency, the FBI, Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and other Ghanaian institutions.
“Ghanaian authorities planned, coordinated and executed the operation within Ghana’s legal and institutional frameworks,” the CSA stated, insisting that it “was not conducted under a foreign operational command.”
The Authority acknowledged the intelligence contributions of the FBI and the UK’s NCA but urged the FBI to clarify its public account and recognise the roles played by Ghanaian institutions.
“Their participation must take place through lawful cooperation, with the authorisation and involvement of relevant Ghanaian authorities,” it said.
The operation uncovered suspected cybercrime centres in Greater Accra, leading to the arrest of eight suspects and the rescue of 120 people suspected of being trafficked and exploited for online fraud.
Intelligence received on August 26, 2026, reportedly identified apartments in Kpone Katamanso, Ga North and Ga West as bases for organised cybercrime, including romance scams.
Investigators seized 136 mobile phones, 130 laptops, four motor vehicles, internet connection devices, jewellery and 10 Nigerian passports. One of the vehicles was reportedly stolen from Canada.
The rescued victims were identified largely as Nigerians, with arrangements underway for their repatriation as investigations continued.
