Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations Minister, Sam George, has challenged FBI Director Kash Patel over the bureau’s portrayal of a recent cybercrime crackdown in Ghana, insisting that Ghanaian agencies led the operation with support from international partners.

Patel announced on Thursday, October 8, 2026, that more than 130 people had been arrested or detained in Ghana under the FBI’s global Operation Blackout, with nearly US$10 million in identified losses, 89 victims and more than 300 devices seized.

But Sam George said the operation was a collaborative effort led by Ghanaian agencies, with support from the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and the FBI.

Responding to Patel on X, Sam George said the operation was the result of cooperation between Ghanaian law enforcement and intelligence agencies, the UK’s National Crime Agency and the FBI.

Patel announced on October 8 that more than 130 people had been arrested or detained in Ghana under the FBI’s global Operation Blackout. He said the operation had identified nearly US$10 million in losses, 89 victims and resulted in the seizure of more than 300 devices.

“Ghanaian law enforcement and intelligence led the Cyberhunt operations, with primary support from the UK @NCA_UK and the @FBI you lead,” he said.

The Minister said presenting the operation as though it was carried out solely by the FBI could undermine future cooperation between Ghana and its international partners.

“To suggest the @FBI acted solely to execute this operation in your tweet undermines the potential for future collaboration,” he said.

Sam George stressed that cybercrime is transnational and requires cooperation between law enforcement agencies across countries.

“As Ghana’s Minister responsible for Cybersecurity, I believe the fight against cybercrime is transnational and requires collaboration,” he said.

The recent Ghana operations were conducted between September 25 and 28, with support from the UK NCA and FBI, according to reports on the crackdown.

Sam George said he expected the FBI director to recognise the benefits of the continued partnership between Ghana and international law enforcement agencies.

“I expect that you will reflect on the benefits of our continued cooperation and act accordingly,” he said.