CSA clarifies Ghana’s leadership of operation blackout, rejects claims of FBI-led mission
Story by: Regina Bless
The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has clarified that Ghana led and coordinated Operation Blackout, also known as Operation Cyber Hunt, following public claims suggesting that the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) independently conceived, commanded or executed the operation.
In a press release issued on October 8, 2026, the CSA rejected the portrayal of the operation as an FBI-led initiative, stressing that Ghanaian authorities planned and executed the mission within the country’s legal and institutional frameworks.
The operation was coordinated by the CSA with support from Ghana’s National Security Council, the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service, the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA), the FBI, Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Joint Case Team on Cybercrime (JCTC), the Ghana Immigration Service and the Office of the Attorney-General.
Eight Suspects Arrested, 120 Victims Rescued
According to the CSA, Operation Cyber Hunt uncovered suspected cybercrime centres in parts of the Greater Accra Region, resulting in the arrest of eight suspects and the rescue of 120 people believed to have been trafficked and exploited for online fraud activities.
The operation followed intelligence received on August 26, 2026, indicating that apartments at Ubuntu Haven Estate in Kpone Katamanso, Franko Estate in Ga North and other locations in Ga West were allegedly being used as bases for organised cybercrime, including romance scams.
Items seized during the operation included 136 mobile phones, 130 laptops, internet connectivity devices and four motor vehicles, one of which was reportedly stolen from Canada. Authorities also recovered jewellery, other digital equipment and ten Nigerian passports.
The CSA stated that efforts were underway to repatriate the rescued victims, most of whom were identified as Nigerians, while investigations into the suspects and seized electronic devices continued.
CSA Emphasises Ghana’s Sovereignty
The Authority stressed that Ghana is a sovereign state governed by its Constitution and laws, noting that foreign law enforcement agencies cannot independently exercise police powers or conduct arrests within the country without lawful cooperation and the involvement of the relevant Ghanaian authorities.
It acknowledged the valuable intelligence contributions of the FBI and the NCA, emphasising that international partnerships remain essential in combating transnational cybercrime.
However, the CSA maintained that the contributions of international partners must be accurately represented, calling on the FBI to clarify its public account of the operation and acknowledge the roles played by Ghanaian institutions and other participating international agencies.
Ghana Reaffirms Commitment to Fighting Cybercrime
The Authority reiterated that Ghana would not become a safe haven for cybercriminals, pledging to strengthen intelligence-led investigations, inter-agency coordination, digital forensic capabilities and international cooperation.
It added that protecting victims, preserving evidence, respecting due process and prosecuting offenders would remain central to the country’s efforts to dismantle cybercriminal networks.
The CSA said it remained open to constructive engagement to ensure that the public record accurately reflects the respective roles of all agencies involved in the operation.