FBI arrests nine in Nigeria over cybercrime, seizes 53 devices

The Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Kash Patel, has said a recent operation targeting international cybercrime networks resulted in nine arrests in Nigeria and the seizure of 53 electronic devices.

Patel also disclosed that the operation led to the identification of $11m in potentially freezable funds across multiple countries.

He made this known in a statement posted on his official X account on Sunday, describing the operation as part of efforts to dismantle international criminal networks responsible for online fraud targeting Americans.

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

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

The FBI director said the criminal networks operated across national borders and exploited victims through scam centres.

“These scam centres 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 warned that the United States would continue pursuing individuals involved in cybercrime, regardless of where they operated.

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