By Alex Ababio | Ghanaian Watch
KUMASI — The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has arrested 320 individuals in a sweeping operation that exposed a suspected human trafficking and fake recruitment syndicate operating under the guise of the online marketing company, QNET, in the Ashanti Region.
Following a comprehensive screening exercise, EOCO identified 295 persons as victims of human trafficking and detained 25 suspects believed to be behind the elaborate scam.
According to EOCO, the victims were lured from different parts of Ghana with promises of lucrative employment, educational opportunities, and international travel. The recruiters, posing as QNET representatives, allegedly transported their victims to Kenyasi in the Kwabre East Municipality and Buoho in the Afigya South District, where they were housed and held.
“We have reason to believe that these victims were deceived under false pretenses of job placements and overseas opportunities,” said Staff Officer Dominic Mensah, Head of EOCO’s Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, during a press briefing in Kumasi.
“We are making arrangements to provide temporary shelter, counseling, and rehabilitation for the victims before they are reunited with their families,” he added.
EOCO and QNET Strengthen Collaboration
The operation, EOCO said, forms part of its ongoing campaign to dismantle criminal networks involved in human trafficking and fraudulent recruitment schemes across the country. The agency has also warned the public to be wary of online job and travel offers that demand upfront payments or make unrealistic promises.
Meanwhile, QNET’s Head of Compliance, Theodocia Naana Bennieh Quartey, has expressed deep concern over the continued abuse of the company’s name by fraudsters.
“It’s unfortunate that criminals keep exploiting QNET’s brand to deceive innocent people,” Mrs. Quartey said. “We have been working closely with law enforcement agencies, including EOCO, to track and prosecute these fraudsters who tarnish our reputation.”
She further explained that the company had launched an awareness campaign titled “QNET Against Scam” in 2022 to educate the public about fraudulent schemes operating under its name.
“When reports of scams emerged last year, we immediately began collaborating with EOCO, the Ghana Police Service, and the Ghana Immigration Service,” she said.
“These recent arrests are not isolated incidents — they are part of long-standing efforts we began years ago to protect people from exploitation.”
Breakthrough Arrests and Cybercrime Links
Mrs. Quartey revealed that the arrests at Kasoa and Kwabre were direct results of QNET’s collaboration with EOCO.
“The support from EOCO has been instrumental. Without their assistance, these breakthroughs wouldn’t have been possible,” she emphasized.
She also clarified that while several Nigerian nationals were arrested during the same operation for cyber fraud, their activities were not linked to QNET.
“Those arrested for cyber scams were not acting under QNET’s identity,” she said. “Their illegal operations were separate from the fake recruitment and human trafficking cases.”
Joint Efforts Toward Justice
EOCO reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying the fight against human trafficking and online recruitment fraud.
“This is just the beginning,” said Staff Officer Mensah. “We will continue to pursue and dismantle these criminal groups that prey on vulnerable citizens.”
Mrs. Quartey echoed the sentiment, stressing QNET’s determination to continue collaborating with EOCO and other agencies.
“We at QNET remain steadfast in fighting anyone who uses our name for criminal gain,” she concluded. “This partnership with EOCO marks a major victory in protecting innocent Ghanaians from deception and abuse.”