The Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has rescued 110 victims of a suspected Qnet scam at Kuntunse Satellite in the Greater Accra Region.
The victims — mostly Cameroonian and Ivorian nationals — were reportedly lured into Ghana with promises of high-paying job opportunities. However, upon arrival, they were allegedly trapped in exploitative conditions disguised as network marketing or online business training.
According to police reports, the early morning operation followed weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering by the CID. The victims were discovered in a compound where they had been confined under deceptive recruitment schemes. They have since been placed under protective custody, while investigations are ongoing to track down and prosecute the perpetrators.
Initial findings indicate that the suspects operated under the cover of Qnet, a controversial online marketing and investment platform, which has been linked to multiple scam-related activities across West Africa.
Police sources say the syndicate’s recruiters targeted vulnerable individuals through social media advertisements and cross-border agents, offering fake employment packages in fields such as communications, marketing, and technology. Upon arrival in Ghana, victims were coerced into paying large sums for registration, accommodation, and training — all under false pretenses.
A senior CID official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the operation was part of a broader crackdown on human trafficking and fraudulent network marketing rings believed to be operating in parts of Accra, Eastern, and Ashanti Regions.
“This is not an isolated case. We are uncovering a regional network that preys on economic hardship and unemployment, especially among young people in West Africa,” the source said.
The CID’s Anti-Human Trafficking Unit has since launched efforts to trace and arrest key members of the syndicate believed to be operating from multiple safe houses across Ghana.
The police further urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious recruitment advertisements — particularly those requiring upfront payments, travel commitments, or unverifiable agents.
“We caution all individuals seeking employment, both locally and abroad, to verify job offers through official channels before making financial or travel commitments,” the statement read.
The Qnet platform has faced mounting scrutiny in Ghana and other African countries for its pyramid-like operations, often accused of exploiting recruits through false promises of wealth creation and international business opportunities.
Meanwhile, the rescued victims are receiving medical, psychological, and consular support while arrangements are being made in collaboration with their embassies for their safe repatriation.
The CID reiterated its resolve to intensify operations against human trafficking, online scams, and transnational fraud, pledging continued collaboration with Interpol, foreign embassies, and local law enforcement agencies to dismantle criminal syndicates exploiting foreign nationals in Ghana.
