The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, took aim at FBI Director Kash Patel after a post announcing arrests and seizures in the FBI’s global Operation Blackout appeared to downplay Ghana’s involvement. Patel had posted on Thursday about the operation, which targets scam centres defrauding victims, including American citizens, but George said the FBI’s message ignored Ghana’s leading role.
“Ghanaian law enforcement and intelligence led the Cyberhunt operations, with primary support from the UK National Crime Agency and the FBI,” George wrote directly to Patel on social media. He warned that suggesting the FBI acted alone “undermines the potential for future collaboration” and urged the Director to “reflect on the benefits of our continued cooperation and act accordingly.”
The operation took place in Ghana between September 25 and 28, 2026. Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority (CSA), reporting to George’s ministry, worked closely with the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service and operatives from the National Security Secretariat. The coordinated sting targeted cybercriminals operating scam centres, dealing what George described as “a decisive blow” to their activities.
George credited the UK’s National Crime Agency and the FBI with support but emphasised Ghana’s leadership in the operation. He also reiterated the administration’s stance on cybercrime, stating, “The John Dramani Mahama administration is committed to stamping out cybercrime.” The CSA will continue to work with domestic and international law enforcement to maintain pressure on scammers, he added.
Patel’s post detailed the results of the operation in Ghana, reporting nearly US$10 million in losses identified and 89 victims affected. More than 130 individuals were arrested or detained, and over 300 devices seized. He noted that some of those detained were victims who would be repatriated, and investigations were ongoing.
Operation Blackout extends beyond Ghana. Patel reported that the wider initiative had yielded approximately US$17 billion in seizures worldwide, with hundreds of arrests of alleged scammers and the rescue of thousands of trafficked workers. The FBI issued warnings to more than 10,000 Americans before they lost money, preventing an estimated US$670 million in losses.
The tension between Ghana and the FBI points to challenges in multinational law enforcement efforts. While the FBI’s post focused on its global achievements, Ghana’s minister insists on recognition of his country’s substantial involvement. The dispute exposes the delicate balance between international agencies cooperating against cybercrime and the national pride in leading such efforts.
According to Joy Online.
