West African authorities rescue dozens from human trafficking networks

Authorities in West Africa have conducted significant operations to rescue victims of suspected human trafficking and fraudulent recruitment schemes linked to QNet.

In Nigeria, 42 victims were rescued following raids in Calabar. The operation led to the arrest of Timothy Bayi, who allegedly operated a syndicate targeting young Nigerians with promises of lucrative jobs in South Africa, Malaysia, and Côte d’Ivoire. Victims reported paying millions of naira for travel documentation, only to be funneled into an illegal pyramid-style marketing scheme instead of receiving promised employment.

In Ghana, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and Engage Now Africa (ENA) rescued 20 nationals from Burkina Faso. These individuals were reportedly lured to Ghana via online recruitment with promises of corporate jobs or assistance for traveling abroad. Once in the country, they were allegedly forced to meet daily cybercrime targets. The victims received counseling and psychosocial assistance before being repatriated to Burkina Faso.