The Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Kash Patel, announced that a recent operation aimed at international cybercrime networks led to the arrest of nine individuals in Nigeria and the confiscation of 53 electronic gadgets.
Patel also revealed that the operation resulted in uncovering $11 million in potentially freezeable assets in several nations.
He revealed this in a statement shared on his official X account on Sunday, characterizing the operation as part of initiatives to dismantle global criminal networks behind online fraud aimed at Americans.
“Operation Blackout confronts the international cybercriminal organizations that are stealing billions from Americans,” Patel stated.
“Our recent operation in Nigeria resulted in nine arrests, 53 electronic devices confiscated, and $11 million in potentially frozen assets discovered across several nations,” he mentioned.
The FBI director stated that the criminal organizations functioned across international boundaries and took advantage of victims via fraudulent centers.
“These fraudulent centers take advantage of unsuspecting victims, rob them of theirlife savings, and function across international boundaries assuming they are out of law enforcement’s grasp,” he stated.
“They’re mistaken.” Appreciation to Nigerian authorities and our collaborators in London for their exceptional support.
Patel cautioned that the United States would persist in targeting individuals engaged in cybercrime, no matter their location.
“To the offenders attacking Americans from abroad: JUSTICE WILL CATCH UP WITH YOU,” he emphasized.
