The Cybercrime Unit of the Ghana Police Service, in a joint intelligence-led operation with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), has arrested 10 individuals for cybercrime-related activities at Weija in the Greater Accra Region.

The suspects, comprising Chinese and Malaysian, are currently in police custody assisting investigations.

Exhibits retrieved during the operation include over 800 assorted mobile phones, some computers, and several charging devices. All the exhibits have been retained for forensic analysis to aid ongoing investigations.

Meanwhile, the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has urged the general public to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves online due to a surge in cases of online blackmail and sextortion in Ghana.

The CSA recorded financial losses of GH¢499,044 between January and April 2025, as against GH¢103,663 recorded in the same period last year.

A total of 155 cases were recorded between January and April 2024.

However, during the same period in 2025, the number of cases surged, and the financial losses ballooned to GH¢499,044.

The CSA revealed that its data points to increasingly sophisticated methods being employed by cybercriminals and highlights the growing economic impact of such incidents.

It further revealed that the actors use social media to lure their victims.

"After gaining the victim's trust, they initiate explicit video calls or solicit private photos. These sessions are secretly recorded or saved without the victim's consent.

"They then threaten to release the compromising materials unless a ransom is paid, usually via mobile money. In some cases, even after payment is made, the threats continue or escalate", it stated.

To combat this growing menace, the CSA advised the public to keep their social media accounts private and avoid storing sensitive content on their devices.

"Avoid sharing intimate content with strangers online, even if they seem trustworthy. Keep social media accounts private, and limit who can view your content.

"Avoid capturing or storing nude images or videos of yourself on any device. Immediately cease all communication with the threat actors should you fall victim. Do not pay any ransom, it encourages repeated demands and does not guarantee deletion of the content. Preserve all evidence, take screenshots, record usernames, URLs, messages, and payment demand", it added.