A 49-year-old man from Ennis, Co Clare has been dramatically rescued from a failed ransom attempt in Ghana.
James Lafferty was freed yesterday morning when police raided a hotel in the capital Accra where he was being held captive.
He was kidnapped last week and held for around five days while his captors demanded money for his release.
Following an international police operation involving Interpol, gardaí and Ghanaian police, local officers moved in after a tip-off and freed him. One man was arrested.
It is understood the kidnap gang were unarmed.
Mr Lafferty travelled to the west African state last week after he apparently became embroiled in an email fraud scam and was taken hostage. He was attempting to recover money he had paid into the investment trap but was taken hostage in the hotel room as kidnappers contacted family and business associates back in Ireland demanding more money.
The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed consular assistance is being provided to Mr Lafferty. "He is currently safe and well in the Honorary Consulate in Accra after being freed by local police," a spokesman said. "He is due to meet with local police to provide them with additional information regarding his detention"
Consular officials are also arranging for his return to Ireland.