ACCRA, Oct 18 (The African Portal) – Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) said on Friday it had rescued 26 victims of human trafficking and arrested nine suspects in a coordinated operation dubbed “Operation Quest.”
The raid, carried out by EOCO’s Anti-Human Trafficking Unit in collaboration with multinational wellness company QNET, took place around 10:30 a.m. in an undisclosed location, the agency said in a statement.
Those arrested include two Ivorians and seven Ghanaians, while the victims comprise 10 Ivorians and 16 Ghanaians who were allegedly trafficked with false promises of employment with QNET, EOCO said.
Investigators said the victims were recruited by fraudsters posing as QNET agents who had no legitimate links to the company and used its name to deceive job seekers in Ghana and abroad.
The suspects are being held in EOCO custody as investigations continue.
EOCO urged the public to be cautious of individuals claiming to be QNET recruitment agents and report any suspicious activities. The agency noted that it signed a memorandum of understanding with QNET in July to prevent the misuse of the company’s name in human trafficking and other crimes.
“This operation underscores the importance of our partnership with QNET in tackling trafficking schemes disguised as job opportunities,” said EOCO Public Affairs Head Faustina Lartey.
EOCO said it remains committed to protecting the public from organised crime and encouraged citizens to share relevant information through its official channels.
