US warns family members of cybercrime perpetrators could face visa restrictions
via GhanaWeb4 min read
The United States has announced that immediate family members of individuals involved in cybercrime, including cyberscams and sextortion, may be subject to strict visa restrictions under a new global policy. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on July 23, 2026, that this policy, introduced under Section 212a3C of the Immigration and Nationality Act, targets those responsible for or complicit in cybercrime and cyber-enabled crime. The initiative is part of President Donald Trump's Executive Order 14390, aimed at combating cybercrime, fraud, and predatory schemes against American citizens. The administration reported that scammers, often linked to Chinese transnational criminal organizations, defrauded US citizens of at least $10 billion in 2024, contributing to corruption, money laundering, and human trafficking. American children have also been targeted by overseas sextortion scams. Rubio emphasized that the Trump administration is utilizing all available tools, including sanctions, prosecutions, asset seizures, extradition requests, and international law enforcement cooperation, to dismantle criminal scam networks and hold enablers accountable. He added that restricting visa issuance sends a clear message that the United States will pursue those who prey on its citizens.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
The Gbese District Court has ordered the extradition of Daniel Yusif, an alleged accomplice of suspected romance fraud kingpin Abu Trica, to the United States. Yusif is to stand trial over an alleged US$8 million romance fraud scheme. The court granted the extradition request on Friday, July 24, 2026, and has given Yusif 15 days to challenge the committal order. This extradition follows ongoing cooperation between Ghanaian and US authorities investigating an alleged international romance fraud network accused of targeting elderly Americans. Earlier this month, Ghanaian socialite and businessman Frederick Kumi, known as Abu Trica, was also extradited to the United States after the High Court in Accra approved his surrender. US prosecutors allege that Abu Trica was part of a criminal network that used artificial intelligence tools to create fake online identities, establish romantic relationships with victims, and fraudulently obtain millions of dollars.
Minority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin stated that the opposition will not permit President John Dramani Mahama a third term. He accused the governing National Democratic Congress NDC of having a "third term agenda" hidden within the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review presented by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson. Speaking in Parliament, the Effutu MP claimed the budget presentation did not reflect the economic reality for ordinary Ghanaians. Afenyo-Markin asserted that Ghanaians would not grant President Mahama another term, citing the government's alleged failure to the citizenry. He also criticized the NDC for what he believes is worsening the situation for Ghanaians, mentioning the cancellation of the NPP's One District, One Factory policy, dismissal of public sector workers, and rising electricity tariffs. He emphasized that citizens are more concerned with their economic well-being than budget figures.
President John Dramani Mahama, the family of the late Professor John Evans Atta Mills, government officials, and other dignitaries gathered at Asomdwee Park on Thursday to commemorate the 14th anniversary of the former President's passing. The annual wreath-laying ceremony honored the late statesman. President Mahama and members of the Mills family wore white, while many mourners wore traditional red and black. President Mahama stated that the greatest way to honor Professor Mills is by living according to his values of integrity, humility, tolerance, and service to the vulnerable. He added that history judges leaders by the depth of their convictions. Wreaths were laid on behalf of the Government of Ghana, Parliament, the Mills family, the National Democratic Congress, and other institutions, as attendees reflected on the life and legacy of Ghana's third President under the Fourth Republic.