The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested nine suspects in Nigeria and seized 53 electronic devices during an international operation targeting cybercrime networks accused of defrauding Americans.
The operation, codenamed Blackout, also led to the identification of $11 million in funds across multiple countries that authorities believe could potentially be frozen.
FBI Director Kash Patel announced the development on his official X account on Sunday, saying the operation was designed to dismantle international fraud networks responsible for stealing billions of dollars from victims.
Related News;
CAF Commends African Nations After Historic 2026 World Cup Show
Nigerian Man Sentenced to 115 Months in US for $700,000 Romance Scam
Nigerian Army Rescues Kidnap Victim, Kills Two Suspects, Recovers ₦10m Ransom in Kano
Patel said the criminal networks operate across borders, targeting innocent people and stealing their life savings while believing they can escape law enforcement.
He commended Nigerian law enforcement agencies and their partners in London for their cooperation in the operation, warning that criminals targeting Americans from overseas would be pursued.
The arrests in Nigeria formed part of a wider enforcement operation that resulted in 28 arrests across Nigeria and Ghana. Authorities also reportedly dismantled more than 3.7 million scam-linked accounts, pages and groups, while identifying over 120 people believed to have been trafficked.
The operation, coordinated with the United States Department of Justice, highlights ongoing international efforts to combat cybercrime and pursue suspected offenders across national borders.
About the Author
