ABUJA, Nigeria — Nine suspects have been arrested in Nigeria as part of an international crackdown on cybercriminal networks accused of defrauding Americans of billions of dollars.

The operation, known as Operation Blackout, resulted in the seizure of 53 electronic devices and the identification of $11 million in potentially freezeable funds across multiple countries.

According to the announcement, the operation targeted scam centres allegedly responsible for defrauding unsuspecting victims, stealing their life savings and conducting criminal activities across international borders.

The authorities stressed that the suspected criminal networks would not escape justice by operating from overseas, warning that law enforcement agencies were intensifying efforts to dismantle such networks.

Nigerian law enforcement agencies and their partners in London were commended for their cooperation and contribution to the operation.

The identification of the $11 million represents a potential step towards tracing suspected proceeds of cybercrime, although it was not confirmed whether the funds had been frozen or recovered.

The operation highlights the growing importance of international collaboration in combating cybercrime and pursuing suspects who target victims across national boundaries.

The identities of the arrested suspects, the specific locations of their arrests and any formal charges against them were not disclosed in the announcement.

The authorities issued a stern warning to cybercriminals targeting Americans from abroad, insisting that international borders would not protect them from law enforcement.