Philippine authorities apprehended Ahmed Alex, a 35-year-old Nigerian national, wanted by U.S. federal authorities for his suspected role in a large-scale cybercrime operation.
The operation allegedly targeted American citizens, specifically retired military personnel, in schemes that defrauded victims.
The arrest, conducted on October 11 by the Philippine Bureau of Immigration’s Fugitive Search Unit, took place along Panay Avenue in Barangay Paligsahan, Quezon City. Alex’s arrest marks a significant step in ongoing efforts to curb international cybercrime networks.
In an official statement, Immigration Commissioner Anthony Viado confirmed that the arrest was made under a mission order requested by the US government, which seeks Alex’s deportation to face multiple cyber fraud charges.
“Alex has been on our wanted list since August after being blacklisted as a fugitive from justice,” Viado said, pointing out collaboration with the US Department of Justice.
The US Defense Criminal Investigative Service reportedly linked Alex to a cyber fraud scheme that exploited the COVID-19 pandemic by creating fake websites mimicking US government agencies.