Cameroonian arrested for alleged internet scam, human trafficking
Merie was arrested on April 7 at his Kenyasi Abrem residence in the Kwabre East Municipality of the Ashanti Region.
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The Ashanti Regional Police Command has apprehended a 29-year-old Cameroonian national, Bella Merie, in connection with suspected internet fraud and human trafficking activities.
Merie was arrested on April 7 at his Kenyasi Abrem residence in the Kwabre East Municipality of the Ashanti Region. The operation led to the discovery of 43 other Cameroonians—32 men and 11 women—believed to be victims of the alleged scheme.
According to a statement issued by Deputy Superintendent of Police Godwin Ahianyo, the Regional Public Relations Officer, preliminary investigations revealed that Merie defrauded his victims of approximately 4.5 million CFA Francs. He had reportedly promised them employment opportunities in Ghana as part of the ruse.
Further police inquiries identified the scam as a variant of the widely known Q-NET internet fraud scheme. Authorities believe Merie orchestrated the entire operation, using deceptive online tactics to lure his compatriots.
The suspect and the alleged victims, aged between 22 and 38, have been handed over to the Ashanti Regional Office of the Ghana Immigration Service to begin the process of repatriation.
The Ghana Police Service has reiterated its dedication to fighting all forms of fraud and protecting the safety of both Ghanaians and lawful foreign residents.
