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FBI Director Kash Patel says nine suspects were arrested in Nigeria during Operation Blackout, targeting international cybercriminal networks accused of defrauding Americans.
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Investigators seized 53 electronic devices and identified $11 million in potentially freezeable funds across multiple countries.
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A wider US-led crackdown resulted in 28 arrests in Nigeria and Ghana and the removal of more than 3.7 million fraudulent online accounts, pages and groups.
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The FBI commended Nigerian law enforcement agencies and partners in London, warning cybercriminals operating across borders that they would be pursued.
October 26, (THEWILL) – The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced the arrest of nine people in Nigeria as part of an international crackdown on cybercriminal networks accused of defrauding Americans of billions of dollars.
The operation, code-named Blackout, also led to the seizure of 53 electronic devices and the identification of $11 million in funds considered potentially freezeable across multiple countries, FBI Director Kash Patel disclosed.
Patel announced the operation in a post on X, describing it as part of efforts to dismantle international cybercrime networks allegedly operating scam centres to defraud unsuspecting victims and steal their savings.
“Operation Blackout is taking the fight directly to the international cybercriminal networks stealing billions from Americans,” he said.
The FBI director said the networks exploited innocent victims and operated across national borders in the belief that their locations would shield them from prosecution.
“These scam centers exploit innocent victims, steal life savings, and operate across international borders believing they are beyond the reach of law enforcement,” Patel said.
He commended Nigerian law enforcement agencies and their partners in London for their cooperation, which he said contributed to the operation.
“Thanks to Nigerian law enforcement and our partners in London for their outstanding cooperation,” he added.
Patel also issued a stern warning to cybercriminals targeting Americans from overseas, declaring that international borders would not protect them from law enforcement.
“Justice will find you,” he said.
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Wider International Crackdown
Operation Blackout formed part of a broader international effort to disrupt online fraud networks operating in West Africa, with law enforcement agencies and private-sector partners working together to identify suspects, seize electronic evidence and dismantle fraudulent online infrastructure.
According to the US Department of Justice, the wider crackdown resulted in 28 arrests across Nigeria and Ghana.
Authorities also seized hundreds of electronic devices and removed more than 3.7 million fraudulent online accounts, pages and groups used in suspected cybercriminal activities.
Cyber-enabled fraud has become a major concern for law enforcement agencies as criminals increasingly use social media, online platforms and digital communications to deceive victims across national boundaries.
Such schemes can include impersonation, fraudulent investment offers, romance scams, business email compromise and other forms of online deception designed to persuade victims to transfer money or disclose financial information.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
