The FBI has arrested nine people in Nigeria as part of an international cybercrime operation targeting networks accused of defrauding Americans of billions of dollars. The operation, known as “Operation Blackout”, also led to the seizure of 53 electronic devices and the identification of $11 million in funds that authorities believe may be eligible for freezing across multiple countries.
In a statement released on Sunday, October 25, FBI Director Kash Patel said the operation was aimed at disrupting international cybercriminal networks responsible for online fraud targeting victims in the United States.
Patel said the networks exploit unsuspecting individuals, with some victims losing their life savings to scams operated across national borders. He added that the operation was intended to bring those responsible within the reach of law enforcement, regardless of where they operate.
“Operation Blackout is taking the fight directly to the international cybercriminal networks stealing billions from Americans,” Patel said.
“These scam centers exploit innocent victims, steal life savings, and operate across international borders believing they are beyond the reach of law enforcement. They’re wrong.”
The seizure of 53 electronic devices forms part of the operation’s efforts to investigate and disrupt the networks. Authorities also identified $11 million in potentially freezable funds across several countries, although the statement did not specify how much money, if any, had been frozen or recovered.
Patel credited Nigerian law enforcement agencies and partners in London for their cooperation in carrying out the operation. The collaboration highlights the importance of international coordination in investigating cybercrime cases that involve suspects, victims and financial transactions across multiple jurisdictions.
Online fraud schemes can operate across borders, making it difficult for authorities in a single country to investigate the full network. Cooperation between law enforcement agencies can help investigators identify suspects, examine electronic evidence and trace funds that may be linked to criminal activity.
The FBI director also issued a warning to cybercriminals operating overseas who target Americans, saying authorities would continue pursuing those responsible for online fraud.
“JUSTICE WILL FIND YOU,” Patel declared.
The FBI’s statement did not identify the nine people arrested in Nigeria or provide details of the specific charges they may face. It also did not name the Nigerian agencies involved or identify the countries in which the potentially freezable funds were found.
