Six Ghanaian nationals arrested during a major cybercrime raid in Zambia may have been victims of human trafficking after allegedly being lured into the country with fake job offers and forced into online scams.
The Ghanaians were among 79 people apprehended on August 23, 2026, during a joint security operation at Evana Estates in New Kasama, Lusaka. The raid involved the Zambia Police Service, Drug Enforcement Commission, Department of Immigration, Zambia Cyber Security Agency and other state institutions.
Authorities said those detained included 35 Ugandans, 11 Chinese nationals, 10 Zambians, eight Kenyans, six Ghanaians, five Liberians and nationals from Burundi, Chad and Zimbabwe.
Investigators recovered a large quantity of electronic equipment, including 73 desktop computers, six laptops, 140 mobile phones, five Starlink kits, external hard drives and SIM cards. Officers also seized 75 passports, cash in U.S. dollars and Zambian kwacha, as well as other foreign currencies.
The case has now taken another turn following information received by Ghana’s High Commission in Lusaka.
Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said some nationals were allegedly recruited for what appeared to be legitimate employment, including online data-entry jobs. After arriving in Zambia, however, some reportedly had their passports confiscated and were compelled to participate in cybercrime operations.
The ministry said the situation points to a disturbing pattern in which criminal syndicates use attractive overseas employment opportunities to lure unsuspecting job seekers before subjecting them to coercion and exploitation.
Zambian authorities are also investigating whether some of the foreign nationals had their movements restricted after being brought to the facility. Possible human trafficking and labour exploitation remain part of the ongoing investigation.
Ghanaian authorities have since warned citizens considering employment in Zambia to carefully verify companies, recruiters and job offers before travelling.
The case highlights the growing danger of cross-border cybercrime networks that do not only target victims online but may also exploit job seekers themselves.
Investigations are continuing as authorities work to identify the alleged masterminds behind the operation and determine the exact roles played by those arrested.
