The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) seized about $17 billion and arrested hundreds of fraudsters in a raid on Ghana’s Yahoo Boys enclave.

Kash Patel, the FBI chief, disclosed details of the U.S. agency’s operation in the West African country on Sunday.

Code-named Operation Blackout, the operation was described by Mr Patel on social media as part of the agency’s efforts to combat fraud.

“This FBI’s global crackdown on scam center fraud continues to deliver outstanding results in Ghana,” he said.

“Roughly $17 billion seized,” the FBI chief said, adding that “hundreds of alleged scammers arrested.”

Mr Patel also said thousands of trafficked workers were freed during the operation, while about $670 million in estimated losses were prevented.

Sam George, Ghana’s Minister of Communications, said the operation, carried out by the FBI and local security agencies, “struck a decisive blow against cyber criminals through a series of sting operations between 25th and 28th September 2026.”

“The @JDMahama administration is committed to stamping out cybercrime. We are grateful to our international partners, including @NCA_UK and @FBI,” Mr George said.