The Philippine Bureau of Immigration has arrested a Nigerian national, Ahmed Alex, 35, wanted by the United States federal authorities for alleged involvement in a large-scale cybercrime operation that targeted American citizens, particularly retired military personnel.
The arrest was executed on October 11 by the bureau’s Fugitive Search Unit along Panay Avenue in Barangay Paligsahan, Quezon City.
In an official statement, Immigration Commissioner, Anthony Viado, confirmed that the operation was carried out under a mission order requested by the U.S. government.
The order called for Alex’s apprehension and subsequent deportation to the United States to face criminal charges related to cyber fraud.
“Alex has been on our wanted list since August after being blacklisted as a fugitive from justice,” Commissioner Viado stated.
“We acted promptly upon notification from the U.S. authorities through the Department of Justice, which brought this case to our attention for immediate enforcement action.”
The U.S. government claims that Alex operated a cyber scam ring responsible for defrauding numerous American citizens, with a particular focus on retired military personnel.
The Philippine Bureau of Immigration is currently coordinating with the Department of Justice to expedite Alex’s deportation to the United States, where he faces multiple charges connected to his alleged cybercrimes.
PhilStar reports that the U.S. Defense Criminal Investigative Service uncovered a cyber fraud scheme led by Alex and two accomplices, who exploited the COVID-19 pandemic by creating fraudulent websites that impersonated legitimate U.S. government agencies.
The bureau alleges that these fake sites deceived victims—primarily retired military personnel—into paying fees ranging from $500 (P29,136.75) to $48,500 (P2,826,264.75) to process emergency leave requests.
Alex is currently detained at the Immigration custodial facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, awaiting deportation.
Once deported, he will be placed on the immigration blacklist, permanently barring his re-entry into the Philippines.