FBI arrests nine people in Nigeria for cybercrime, takes 53 devices

The Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Kash Patel, announced that a recent operation against international cybercrime networks led to the arrest of nine people in Nigeria. They also seized 53 electronic devices during this operation.

Patel shared this information in a statement on his official X account on Sunday. He said this operation aimed to break down international crime groups that commit online fraud against Americans.

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

He added, “Our latest operation in Nigeria delivered: nine arrests, 53 electronic devices seized, and $11 million in potentially freezable funds identified across multiple countries.”

According to the FBI director, these criminal networks work across borders and set up scam centers to exploit victims.

“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.

“They’re wrong. Thanks to Nigerian law enforcement and our partners in London for their outstanding cooperation.” Patel also warned that the United States will keep going after people involved in cybercrime, no matter where they are.

“To the criminals targeting Americans from overseas: JUSTICE WILL FIND YOU,” he added.