FBI arrests nine in Nigeria over cyber crime, seizes 53 electronic devices

THE United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said it has arrested nine suspects in connection with scam centres across Nigeria.

A statement by the FBI Director, Kash Patel, on Monday, noted that a total of $11 million in potentially freezable funds, have also been identified across multiple countries.

Patel said the suspects who operate in the unmentioned scam centers in Nigeria, exploit innocent victims, steal life savings, and operate across international borders “believing they are beyond the reach of law enforcement; they’re wrong,” the FBI noted.

Patel thanked Nigerian law enforcement and its partners in London for their cooperation.

The FBI director said Operation Blackout is taking the fight directly to the international cybercriminal networks stealing billions from Americans.

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

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“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. 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,” Patel said.