The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced the arrest of nine Nigerians as part of its global crackdown on online fraud.
FBI Director Kash Patel revealed this achievement on Sunday, highlighting the agency’s progress under “Operation Blackout.”
“Operation Blackout is taking the fight directly to international cybercriminal networks stealing billions from Americans,” Patel stated. He added that the FBI’s recent operation in Nigeria resulted in nine arrests, the seizure of 53 electronic devices, and the identification of $11 million in potentially freezable funds spread across multiple countries.
Patel also shared a graphic showcasing the operation’s details and emphasized the impact of these fraud networks. “These scam centers exploit innocent victims, steal life savings, and operate across international borders believing they are beyond the reach of law enforcement,” he said.
He praised the collaboration with Nigerian authorities and partners in London, noting, “Thanks to Nigerian law enforcement and our partners in London for their outstanding cooperation. To the criminals targeting Americans from overseas: JUSTICE WILL FIND YOU.”
Meanwhile, two Nigerian suspects, Mudasiru Afeez Olawale and Adebola Festus Adekunle, were featured prominently in the FBI’s global report on fraudsters published Thursday. Both men, arrested and extradited in August, appeared in promotional materials for Operation Blackout shared by Patel.
