The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has apprehended 80 Nigerians, all reportedly from the Igbo ethnic group, in connection with a large-scale internet fraud operation.

The arrests come after an extensive, yearslong investigation into online scams targeting individuals and businesses across the globe.

Among the suspects are Iro, Igbokwe, and Chuks Eroha, who face additional charges for allegedly attempting to destroy their cellphones when the FBI executed a search warrant. The suspects had been on the FBI’s Most Wanted list prior to their capture.

The indictment outlines numerous fraudulent schemes carried out over several years, including business email compromise (BEC) and romance scams, which have led to significant financial losses for victims worldwide.

The FBI has stated that the operation was part of a larger effort to crack down on cybercrime rings that exploit online platforms for illicit activities.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to identify other individuals involved in the scheme.