Alleged recruitment scam leader remanded as cybercrime syndicate faces court

A suspected cybercrime syndicate operating in parts of the Volta Region and Greater Accra has been busted by security agencies, with the alleged mastermind now behind bars.

On Tuesday, June 3, 2025, an Accra High Court ordered the remand of 23-year-old Hunus Nyaleke, believed to be the ringleader of a fraudulent online recruitment operation. His arrest follows a collaborative sting conducted by the Ghana Police Service and the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), targeting a network accused of using digital tools to exploit unsuspecting victims.

Nyaleke, according to police prosecutors, had been using photographs and identities of well-known public figures and senior government officials to lure job seekers into paying fees for non-existent employment opportunities.

Ten other individuals, said to be connected to the operation, were arraigned alongside Nyaleke. They face joint charges of conspiracy to commit crime and defrauding by false pretence. Among them are two 17-year-olds—Jonathan Elewodzrom and Prince Ayisi—as well as Noble Kordzo Kotoku, Godwin Zado, Richard Agbeyegah, Michael Adzokatse, Osward Awake Tetteh, Deborah Dzereke, Rita Fordzifa, and Jennifer Sokpe.

Presiding Judge Susan Eduful granted bail to the ten co-accused, setting conditions at GH¢50,000 each, with two sureties earning a minimum of GH¢1,000. The court, however, deferred the taking of pleas and ordered all suspects to report regularly to the police pending further investigation.

The case was presented by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Lawrence Kofi Anane, who detailed the joint operation that led to the arrests. On May 29, a raid was carried out in Sogakope based on intelligence shared between the CSA and the Police Cybercrime Unit. Ten individuals were taken into custody, though some managed to escape.

Further investigations and surveillance led to the capture of Nyaleke on June 1, 2025, at his hideout in Sege. According to prosecutors, Nyaleke confessed in his caution statement to orchestrating the scam and admitted to impersonating high-ranking officials as part of the scheme.

In contrast, the other accused denied any involvement, asserting in their statements that they were merely attending a birthday celebration when apprehended during the operation.

Police have since retrieved mobile devices and laptops believed to be tools used in the fraudulent activities. These are currently undergoing forensic analysis to extract potential evidence.

The case has been adjourned as investigations continue.