The United Kingdom has stepped up efforts to combat Organised Immigration Crime (OIC), intensifying measures to dismantle criminal networks and protect the integrity of its borders.
A statement issued in Accra said the actions include arrests, asset seizures, and prosecutions aimed at preventing organised crime groups from operating at previous levels.
It said that in 2022, several cases involving the illegal facilitation of migration using fraudulent travel documents were detected on flights from the Kotoka International Airport in Accra to the United Kingdom.
Following the detections, the British High Commission referred the matter to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, leading to the arrest of Julian Kyere Akoto-Bamfo, who was subsequently charged with migrant smuggling.
According to the statement, during proceedings at a Circuit Court in 2025, the accused was granted bail but failed to appear in court, resulting in the forfeiture of his sureties amounting to GH¢45,000.
It said that on January 14, 2026, Akoto-Bamfo was convicted and sentenced in absentia to five years’ imprisonment with hard labour and fined GH¢12,000. He remains wanted by the Ghana Police Service.
Commenting on the case, the British High Commissioner to Ghana, Dr Christian Rogg, said: “This case demonstrates the strength of UK–Ghana cooperation in tackling organised immigration crime. We will continue to work closely with our partners to disrupt criminal networks and protect the integrity of our borders.”
The Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service, COP Lydia Donkor, also reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to combating organised crime, stating: “Our work with the British High Commission reflects our resolve to ensure that Ghana does not become a safe haven for organised crime. We will pursue justice relentlessly.”
The statement noted that the case forms part of broader global efforts to combat visa fraud and illegal migration.
It recalled that in November 2025, the High Commissions of Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom jointly launched a public education campaign during International Fraud Awareness Week to highlight the dangers of visa scams and promote safe and legitimate visa application processes.
GNA
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