The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced nine arrests in Nigeria following an operation targeting international cybercriminal networks accused of defrauding Americans of billions of dollars.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the operation, dubbed Operation Blackout, also led to the seizure of 53 electronic devices and the identification of $11 million in potentially freezable funds across multiple countries.
In a statement, Patel said the operation was aimed at dismantling scam centres that exploit unsuspecting victims, steal their life savings and operate across international borders.
“These scam centers exploit innocent victims, steal life savings, and operate across international borders believing they are beyond the reach of law enforcement,” Patel said.
He added that the operation demonstrated the commitment of law enforcement agencies to pursue cybercriminals regardless of where they operate.
“They’re wrong,” Patel declared, warning criminals targeting Americans from overseas that they would face justice.
Patel also commended Nigerian law enforcement agencies and their partners in London for their cooperation in the operation, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in tackling cybercrime.
The operation underscores the growing focus on cross-border law enforcement efforts to disrupt cybercriminal networks and pursue those suspected of using scam centres to defraud victims.
However, the FBI statement did not identify the nine suspects or provide further details about the specific scams allegedly linked to the arrests.
The $11 million identified during the operation was described as potentially freezable funds, meaning the amount should not be interpreted as money already recovered or seized.
