The United States is stepping up its fight against online fraud networks linked to Ghana, with US Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro warning that authorities are determined to shut down scam operations, seize their assets and prosecute those involved.
Pirro disclosed that she had travelled to London with members of the Scam Center Strike Force to work with international law enforcement agencies on efforts to dismantle criminal networks targeting victims, particularly Americans.
In a statement shared on her official account on October 8, 2026, she said the team was working with the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the US Department of Justice’s Criminal Division.
“I and members of my Scam Center Strike Force went to London to fight the scammers from Ghana,” Pirro stated.
She said the task force had made significant progress since November, including seizing nearly $1 billion in stolen cryptocurrency, thousands of computers and mobile phones, as well as websites and other infrastructure allegedly used to defraud victims.
Pirro said the seizures were intended to disrupt the operations of scam networks and prevent them from continuing to target unsuspecting people.
“These scam compounds destroy lives and wipe out Americans’ hard-earned savings…
“We are fighting like hell to shut them down, take their money, seize their infrastructure, and put them behind bars,” she added.
FBI reports major takedown in Ghana
Pirro’s warning comes amid a separate announcement by the FBI about a major operation against a suspected scam centre in Ghana, where investigators have identified nearly $10 million in losses so far.
The operation, conducted under the FBI’s global Operation Blackout, has resulted in 89 victims being identified, while more than 130 people have been arrested or detained.
More than 300 devices were also seized during the operation, according to FBI Director Kash Patel.
In a post on X, Patel said the group of people detained included victims who were expected to be repatriated to their home countries. Investigations into the operation are continuing.
“Another takedown this week out of Ghana: Nearly $10 million in identified losses so far – 89 victims identified – 130+ individuals arrested or detained (including victims who will be repatriated to home country) – 300+ devices seized,” he said.
Patel said the scam centres had caused serious financial harm to American citizens and vowed that the FBI would continue pursuing such operations across the world.
“These scam compounds target American citizens and destroy lives,” he stated.
“This FBI is crushing them in every corner of the world. More to come,” Patel added.
Wider international crackdown
The Ghana operation forms part of Operation Blackout, a broader FBI initiative targeting international scam networks and compounds where people are allegedly forced to participate in online fraud.
According to Patel, the wider campaign has resulted in about $17 billion being seized, while hundreds of alleged scammers have been arrested.
The operation has also led to the release of thousands of trafficked workers, according to the FBI director.
Patel further said more than 10,000 Americans had been warned before losing money to scams, while the agency’s actions had prevented an estimated $670 million in losses.
The latest developments highlight the growing international effort to disrupt online fraud networks, recover assets and identify those responsible for targeting victims across borders.
US authorities have indicated that the crackdown will continue as investigations expand and law enforcement agencies work together to dismantle the infrastructure used in the alleged scams.
