Cybercrime: FBI arrests nine suspects in Nigeria, seizes 53 electronic devices
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested nine individuals in Nigeria for their alleged involvement in international cybercrime networks that have targeted victims, primarily in the United States.
The operation, known as “Operation Blackout,” resulted in the seizure of 53 electronic devices and the identification of approximately $11 million in funds that may be subject to freezing in various countries.
FBI Director Kash Patel announced the results of the operation in a statement on his official X account on Sunday. He explained that the initiative aimed to dismantle criminal networks operating scam centers that exploit individuals around the globe, stealing their savings.
“Operation Blackout is taking the fight directly to the international cybercriminal networks stealing billions from Americans,” Patel said. He emphasized that these criminal organizations often believe they are safe from law enforcement due to their cross-border operations, but he asserted that this is not the case.
Patel praised the collaboration of Nigerian law enforcement agencies and their partners in London for their support during the operation. He issued a warning to individuals involved in cybercrime schemes that they would face prosecution.
These arrests are part of a broader international effort to combat transnational scam networks operating in West Africa, involving cooperation from various law enforcement agencies and private-sector partners. The U.S. Department of Justice reported a total of 28 arrests in Nigeria and Ghana, along with the seizure of hundreds of electronic devices.
Additionally, the operation led to the removal of more than 3.7 million fraudulent online accounts, pages, and groups reportedly connected to scam networks targeting victims worldwide. The coordinated actions are designed to disrupt the digital infrastructure used by cybercriminals, hindering their ability to conduct fraud and expand their operations across borders.
