FBI-Led Operation Blackout Nets 28 Arrests Across Africa, Targets $11m In Funds
FBI-Led Operation Blackout Nets 28 Arrests Across Africa, Targets $11m In Funds
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) says 28 people have been arrested across Africa as part of an international crackdown on online scams, with more than 350 electronic devices seized.
The arrests were recorded during “London Disruption Week”, conducted in collaboration with international law enforcement agencies and Meta, the FBI said.
The operation also identified $11 million in funds that could potentially be frozen and led to the removal of 3.7 million fraudulent accounts from Facebook and Instagram.
More than 100 suspected scam victims were identified, with their losses exceeding $10 million, while over 120 trafficked workers were identified for repatriation.
The FBI thanked the United States Department of Justice, international partners and Meta for supporting the operation.
Providing an update on the wider Operation Blackout campaign, the agency said authorities had seized $17 billion, arrested hundreds of alleged scammers and freed thousands of trafficking victims.
It added that more than 10,000 Americans had been warned about scams, while estimated losses of $670 million had been prevented.
The FBI said the operation was aimed at disrupting international fraud networks and human trafficking operations, warning that criminals targeting Americans would no longer find safe havens.
