For the last decade, a fake US embassy has been operating in Accra, Ghana. On Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays, from morning until half noon, an American flag would fly outside a faded pink building
http://qz.com/851514/a-fake-us-embassy-operating-in-ghana-for-the-past-decade-has-finally-been-shut-down/
If you’re mouth didn’t drop open when you read the above quote then you must not have read it right. Yes, a Fake US Embassy was running out in the open in Ghana for several years. They issued fake passports, visas, and other documents for about $6,000 a service. The US State department has confirmed that it has been totally shut down with the help of Ghanaian security over the summer. After everything was shut down there were over 150 passports, as well as fake visas for the US, the EU’s Schengen zone, India, and South Africa. Apparently 3 men were also arrested who were believed to be tied to these criminal acts.
The reason for the fueled increase in fake passports and visas is because it is extremely difficult for African Americans to obtain them. To respond to this incident the Embassy launched “Operation Spartan Vanguard,” a campaign to shut down other fraudulent operations.
The State Department claims that the scheme was run by the Turkish and Ghanaians syndicates with the help from Ghanaian officials. The operation in Accra was deemed a go by officials, offering its services on flyers and billboards all over the country.
“The investigation and search for the Turkish organized crime group is ongoing,” the embassy said in an article about the case. “Criminal leaders no longer have the political cover they once had… this is only the beginning.
Will there be a happy ending to this tragic beginning?
Who knows if there will even be a solution to this problem. The search is still said to be on going but is it justified? A visa is all the people are looking for, and the only reason they search for it in this illegal way is because it’s already automatically harder for them to try and obtain legally.
At first it may seem like no harm done but illegal passports allow a person to flee the country using that passport and criminals would have an easier time. There’s always corruption in something that may look good, and there is always good in something that may be corrupt.. Does that justify either of them? How do you find justice in such a mixed bag? You decide.
