National Security operatives have arrested 14 alleged leaders of QNet in the Ashanti Region for luring, recruiting, and detaining hundreds of young people in residential camps at Appiedu and Dompase.

The two facilities have since been declared security zones, with victims urged to return to their homes.

Authorities also confirmed that several newly recruited individuals have been rescued and are being reunited with their families.

According to security officials, the victims were enticed with false promises of employment opportunities and brought in from across the country.

At the Dompase camp alone, nearly 200 young people were reportedly housed in a rented residence.

Deputy Regional Security Coordinator, Alhaji Nje Abdallah Umaru, disclosed to Kumasi FM’s Elisha Adarkwah that the arrests followed weeks of intelligence gathering.

The suspects allegedly lured victims with calls offering job opportunities.

Once they arrived at the camps, the jobs were declared unavailable.

Instead, they were persuaded to pay GHS 12,000 for supposed opportunities to travel abroad.

In one case, parents of a victim from the Northern Region were asked to send the money but refused, urging their child to return home.

When the suspects prevented the victim from leaving, the parents travelled to Appiedu and were denied access.

Their report to authorities prompted the investigation that led to the arrests.

Some victims said they were recruited by friends, including former schoolmates, who convinced them that jobs were available.

However, upon arrival, they discovered the situation was entirely different.

One victim, who joined two years ago but later quit after failing to secure the promised opportunities, said his ordeal worsened when his mobile phone and SIM card were seized.

He reported the matter anonymously.

The National Security Secretariat has assured that it will maintain strict surveillance on illegal recruitment schemes and continue cracking down on fraudulent operations targeting unsuspecting youth.