Recent reports indicate that around 76 young Ghanaian men, who were deceived by a fraudulent football job scheme, were rescued from Nigeria by Ghanaian law enforcement, in partnership with Interpol and local authorities. The victims were promised opportunities to join prestigious football academies overseas and were tricked into traveling by claims of job placements and assistance with visa applications.
Upon their arrival in Nigeria, the traffickers confiscated their passports and mobile devices, sequestering them in overcrowded rooms where conditions were dire. Reports suggest they were compelled to reach out to their families, seeking approximately $1,000 (£727) under the guise of training expenses. The perpetrators allegedly went so far as to exploit their phone contact lists to further deceive friends and relatives.
In connection with this trafficking scheme, seven Ghanaian individuals have been arrested. Lydia Yaako Donkor, head of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Ghana, stated that the rescue took place between May 19 and June 27, 2023, and efforts to repatriate the victims are ongoing. She emphasized the importance of cautious verification of lucrative job offers and educational possibilities before individuals and their families commit to them, warning that many victims are often transported to unknown regions and coerced into recruiting others into similar traps.
The incident comes in the wake of Ghana's ban on QNET, a marketing company that was previously linked to the Ponzi scheme under which these fraudulent activities were carried out. The company has denied any ties to the scams. This case underscores a broader challenge in West Africa, where individuals often fall prey to fraudulent job offers and scams, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and preventive measures to protect vulnerable populations within the region.
Upon their arrival in Nigeria, the traffickers confiscated their passports and mobile devices, sequestering them in overcrowded rooms where conditions were dire. Reports suggest they were compelled to reach out to their families, seeking approximately $1,000 (£727) under the guise of training expenses. The perpetrators allegedly went so far as to exploit their phone contact lists to further deceive friends and relatives.
In connection with this trafficking scheme, seven Ghanaian individuals have been arrested. Lydia Yaako Donkor, head of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Ghana, stated that the rescue took place between May 19 and June 27, 2023, and efforts to repatriate the victims are ongoing. She emphasized the importance of cautious verification of lucrative job offers and educational possibilities before individuals and their families commit to them, warning that many victims are often transported to unknown regions and coerced into recruiting others into similar traps.
The incident comes in the wake of Ghana's ban on QNET, a marketing company that was previously linked to the Ponzi scheme under which these fraudulent activities were carried out. The company has denied any ties to the scams. This case underscores a broader challenge in West Africa, where individuals often fall prey to fraudulent job offers and scams, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and preventive measures to protect vulnerable populations within the region.
