$17bn seized as FBI storms Yahoo Boys hub in Ghana

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has seized about $17 billion and arrested hundreds of suspected fraudsters in a raid on a Yahoo Boys enclave in Ghana.

FBI Director Kash Patel disclosed this on Sunday, describing the operation, code-named Operation Blackout, as part of the agency’s efforts to combat fraud.

“This FBI’s global crackdown on scam center fraud continues to deliver outstanding results in Ghana,” Patel said, as reported by Peoples Gazette.

“Roughly $17 billion seized,” he said, adding that “hundreds of alleged scammers arrested.” He also said thousands of trafficked workers were freed, while about $670 million in estimated losses were prevented.

Ghana’s Minister of Communications, Sam George, said the operation, carried out by the FBI and local security agencies, “struck a decisive blow against cyber criminals through a series of sting operations between 25th and 28th September 2026.”

“The @JDMahama administration is committed to stamping out cybercrime. We are grateful to our international partners, including @NCA_UK and @FBI,” George said.