The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested nine suspects in Nigeria and seized 53 electronic devices in an operation targeting international cybercrime networks.
FBI Director, Kash Patel, disclosed that the operation also led to the identification of $11 million in funds across multiple countries that could potentially be frozen.
Patel announced the development in a statement posted on his official X account on Sunday, describing the operation, code-named Operation Blackout, as part of efforts to dismantle transnational criminal networks responsible for online fraud targeting Americans.
“Operation Blackout is taking the fight directly to the international cybercriminal networks stealing billions from Americans,” he said.
“Our latest operation in Nigeria delivered: nine arrests, 53 electronic devices seized, and $11 million in potentially freezable funds identified across multiple countries,” Patel added.
According to the FBI director, the criminal networks operate across international borders and use scam centres to defraud victims, often depriving them of their life savings.
“These scam centres exploit innocent victims, steal life savings, and operate across international borders believing they are beyond the reach of law enforcement,” he said.
Patel commended Nigerian law enforcement agencies and their partners in London for their cooperation in the operation.
“They’re wrong. Thanks to Nigerian law enforcement and our partners in London for their outstanding cooperation,” he stated.
He warned that the United States would continue to pursue individuals involved in cybercrime, irrespective of their location.
“To the criminals targeting Americans from overseas: JUSTICE WILL FIND YOU,” Patel declared.
The FBI did not disclose the identities of the suspects or provide further details about the specific cybercrime activities uncovered during the operation.
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