EOCO leads operation to free 219 trafficked persons

Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service and the military, has rescued 219 individuals from a suspected human trafficking network.

Intelligence-led operations led to their rescue in what authorities are describing as a major anti-trafficking breakthrough.

The Acting Executive Director, EOCO Abdul Bashiru Dapilah, said the victims, who were trafficked from various countries across the West African sub-region, were reportedly lured into Ghana with promises of well-paying jobs.

“Unfortunately, when they came to Ghana since there are no lucrative jobs existing then they took them hostages and they confined them at the Oyarifa estate and were forced to go into cybercrimes and cybercrime related activities,” he said.

He added that some laptops, personal effects, internet facilities and other items were retrieved from them.

The victims are currently undergoing screening and support processes.

Investigations are also underway to track down the syndicate responsible for orchestrating the trafficking scheme.

EOCO officials have indicated that more details will be made public as the operation unfolds and arrests are made.

The rescue highlights the growing challenge of human trafficking in the region and the critical role of intelligence and inter-agency collaboration in combating organised crime.