FBI Director Kash Patel has announced a major takedown in Ghana as part of the agency’s global “Operation Blackout” targeting scam centres that defraud American citizens.
Patel said nearly $10 million in losses have so far been identified in the Ghana operation, with 89 victims identified and more than 130 people arrested or detained.
More than 300 devices were also seized as part of the operation, according to Patel, who said the investigation is ongoing.
“Another takedown this week out of Ghana,” Patel said, adding that some of those detained were victims who would be repatriated to their home countries.
He said the scam compounds target American citizens and have a devastating impact on victims, while stressing that the FBI is continuing to dismantle such operations around the world.
Patel said Operation Blackout has so far resulted in roughly $17 billion being seized, hundreds of alleged scammers arrested and thousands of trafficked workers freed.
The operation has also warned more than 10,000 Americans before they lost money, with an estimated $670 million in losses prevented, he said.
