"SAKAWA " VICTIMS ON THE RISE

The German Embassy in Ghana have tasked Law Enforcement Authorities in the country particularly the Criminal Investigation Departmaent of Police, to fight the rising number of Cyber fraud cases("Sakawa") in the country .In a press release issued by the German Embassy ,it stated categorically that, the number of Cyber Fraud cases termed ("Sakawa") is on a constant rise. According to the release the Embassy has detected a number of Cyber Fraud cases originating from West Africa and As a result of close cooperation between the Authorities both of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Republic of Ghana, several arrests were facilitated and the suspects are now assisting in the investigations.

Clarifying activities of the cyber fraudsters reported to the German Embassy, the release stated that they pose over the internet as persons seeking friendship and love, thereby specifically targeting individuals in Germany and other countries.After having established a trustful relationship over the internet, money is demanded for various reasons to be sent to West Africa usually via Western Union, MoneyGram or similar services. A typical reason given for the requirement of money are claims of medical emergencies. These claims are sometimes even backed by faked certificates from local doctors or hospitals.
It further stated that,the previously reported cases in the local media of culmination of fraudulent activities resulted in the abduction of a German woman lured to Ghana as a result of a "love scam". After her arrival in Ghana, she was abducted and her family in Germany was asked to pay a ransom.Fortunately, as a result of a fruitful cooperation between the German and the Ghanaian Law Enforcement Authorities, the victim could be located and freed by Ghanaian Law Enforcement Officers leading to the arrest of the suspects.
The statement also announced the rise in business scams saying individuals in Germany and other European Countries are defrauded in the context of securing deliveries such as Gold, Diamonds or business contracts. This is also backed with fake documentation for claims by the fraudsters.
Finally, the German Embassy said it was confident that the unfortunate number of such incidents will be successfully curbed both through the continuing fruitful cooperation with the Ghanaian Authorities as well as through awareness campaigns in Ghana and Germany.

BY:Michael F. Amedor.