FBI arrests nine in Nigerians over cybercrime targeting Americans, seizes 53 devices

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested nine people in Nigeria as part of an international operation targeting “international cybercriminal networks stealing billions from Americans”.

In a statement released on Sunday, October, 25, Kash Patel, the FBI director, said the mission dubbed “Operation Blackout” led to the seizure of 53 electronic devices.

Patel said the operation also led to the discovery of $11 million in “potentially freezable funds identified across multiple countries”.

The FBI director said the cybercrime networks exploit innocent victims to steal their life savings.

“Operation Blackout is taking the fight directly to the international cybercriminal networks stealing billions from Americans,” the statement reads.

“These scam centers exploit innocent victims, steal life savings, and operate across international borders believing they are beyond the reach of law enforcement. They’re wrong.

He commended Nigerian law enforcement agencies and their partners in London for their cooperation in the successful operation.

“Thanks to Nigerian law enforcement and our partners in London for their outstanding cooperation.”

Patel also issued a warning to cybercriminals targeting Americans from overseas, insisting that law enforcement agencies would continue to pursue those responsible for online fraud.

“JUSTICE WILL FIND YOU,” he declared.