The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested nine people in Nigeria as part of an international operation targeting cybercrime networks accused of stealing billions of dollars from Americans.
In a statement released on Sunday, October 25, FBI Director Kash Patel said the operation, codenamed “Operation Blackout,” led to the seizure of 53 electronic devices.
Patel said the operation also resulted in the identification of $11 million in potentially freezable funds across multiple countries.
He said the cybercrime networks exploited innocent victims and stole their life savings.
“Operation Blackout is taking the fight directly to the international cybercriminal networks stealing billions from Americans,” the statement read.
“These scam centres exploit innocent victims, steal life savings, and operate across international borders believing they are beyond the reach of law enforcement. They’re wrong.”
The FBI director commended Nigerian law enforcement agencies and their partners in London for their cooperation in the operation.
“Thanks to Nigerian law enforcement and our partners in London for their outstanding cooperation,” he said.
Patel also warned cybercriminals targeting Americans from overseas that law enforcement agencies would continue to pursue those responsible for online fraud.
“JUSTICE WILL FIND YOU,” he declared.
