OCCRP: FBI Cybercrime Operation Nets Nine Arrests in Nigeria

• Operation Blackout identified $11 million in potentially freezable funds across several countries.
• Law enforcement confiscated 53 electronic devices used in cybercrime operations.

The FBI, as part of Operation Blackout, arrested nine individuals in Nigeria targeting cybercrime scam centers. The operation was announced by FBI Director Kash Patel and involved international cooperation.

Authorities identified $11 million in potentially freezable funds and confiscated 53 electronic devices used in cybercrime. The operation aims to dismantle networks responsible for stealing billions from Americans.

• $11 million potentially freezable funds identified
• 53 electronic devices confiscated

• Screen for connections to Operation Blackout cybercrime networks in customer onboarding.
• Monitor for transactions linked to the $11 million in potentially freezable funds identified by the FBI.
• Update risk assessments for Nigerian entities involved in cybercrime scam centers targeted by the FBI.

This story highlights the ongoing threat posed by international cybercriminal networks, particularly those operating from Nigeria. The identification of $11 million in potentially freezable funds and the confiscation of 53 electronic devices underscore the scale and sophistication of these operations. Compliance officers must be vigilant in monitoring for links to such networks, updating risk assessments, and ensuring robust controls to detect and report suspicious activity related to cybercrime. The FBI’s focus on dismantling these groups signals increased enforcement and cross-border cooperation, raising the stakes for financial institutions worldwide.