FBI Asst. Director Heith Janke Warns Cyber Fraudsters ‘Justice Will Find You’

Exclusive by Kanwal Abidi

WASHINGTON, D.C.: FBI Assistant Director Heith Janke of the Criminal Division has warned international cyber fraud networks that they cannot escape justice. He delivered the warning during a briefing for foreign media, outlining the agency’s strategy to combat cybercrime and transnational criminal organisations.

Janke opened the briefing by thanking his partners, including US Attorney Pirro, FBI Director Kash Patel, Department of Justice officials and members of the Cyber-Enabled Scam Initiative.

He also acknowledged the foreign journalists attending the event. He thanked them for helping communicate the FBI’s message to audiences around the world.

“This is not just a United States problem but a global problem that requires a global response,” Janke said.

He stressed that authorities must stop criminal networks that exploit human trafficking victims in scam compounds and defraud families of their life savings.

Janke highlighted the scale of the problem through figures from the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). The 2025 IC3 report recorded more than $20.8 billion in total reported losses. Cyber-enabled fraud accounted for approximately $17.7 billion of that amount. The figures cover reported incidents and may not reflect the full scale of global fraud.

“Behind every complaint is a real-life victim,” Janke said, emphasising the devastating human impact of these crimes. He added that the FBI sees more than statistics: it sees victims and the damage criminal groups cause to their lives.

Operation Blackout Targets Global Scam Networks

Janke said Executive Order 14390, titled Combating Cybercrime, Fraud, and Predatory Schemes Against American Citizens, has strengthened the US government’s coordinated response.

President Donald Trump signed the order on March 6, 2026. It directs federal agencies to improve cooperation, disrupt foreign criminal networks and work with private-sector partners against cyber-enabled fraud.

Janke outlined Operation Blackout, the FBI’s global campaign to disrupt and dismantle international scam networks.

He said the operation had produced major results, including nearly $17 billion in seized assets, hundreds of arrests and the liberation of thousands of trafficked workers.

The campaign has also helped authorities intervene in fraud schemes before criminals could reach their intended victims. According to the briefing, the FBI’s efforts protected more than 10,000 Americans and prevented an estimated $670 million from reaching criminal networks. Around 77 per cent of those contacted reportedly did not realise they were potential scam victims.

Janke stressed that domestic enforcement alone cannot defeat these networks. He called international cooperation essential to dismantling criminal operations that cross borders.

FBI Strengthens International Cooperation

Janke highlighted several operations with international partners during the past year.

In July, the FBI hosted its first scam centre summit in Thailand. Representatives from nearly 20 countries attended to strengthen cooperation against transnational criminal organisations.

Earlier this year, the Scam Center Strike Force also worked to disrupt the Tai Chang compound in Myanmar. Janke said the operation involved private-sector partners and resulted in the removal of 2,000 accounts and the seizure of $30 million in cryptocurrency.

In Madagascar, FBI agents and local authorities targeted 13 facilities linked to Chinese-organised crime networks. The operation resulted in the seizure of more than 3,000 electronic devices. US Justice Department material also documents FBI assistance to Madagascar authorities in examining approximately 3,200 devices seized from 13 scam compounds.

Janke praised FBI Director Kash Patel for strengthening coordination with China’s Ministry of Public Security. He said the partnership prioritised efforts to dismantle transnational scam compounds.

He also highlighted cooperation with Dubai Police. According to Janke, the joint operation dismantled nine scam compounds, arrested more than 300 suspects and seized $300 million in assets, along with thousands of electronic devices.

The FBI and the Scam Center Strike Force have also organised international disruption weeks to strengthen cooperation among law enforcement agencies, government bodies and industry leaders.

Janke said the first gathering took place in Washington, D.C., in May. Organisers held another session in London in October.

FBI Says Global Fight Is Only Beginning

Janke acknowledged the work of law enforcement agencies and private-sector partners. However, he said the FBI would continue expanding its campaign against cybercrime.

“While we are proud of what we’ve accomplished this past year with both our law enforcement and private sector partners, we are just getting started,” he said.

He concluded with a direct warning to those who exploit vulnerable people through online fraud and human trafficking.

“Preying on innocent people across the globe will not be tolerated. There is no safe haven, and we will hold you accountable as justice will find you,” Janke said.