Philippine authorities have arrested Ahmed Alex, a 35-year-old Nigerian national wanted by US federal authorities for his alleged involvement in a major cybercrime operation targeting American citizens, particularly retired military personnel.

The arrest took place on October 11, led by the Philippine Bureau of Immigration’s Fugitive Search Unit along Panay Avenue in Barangay Paligsahan, Quezon City.

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.

Victims, primarily retired military personnel, were deceived into paying fees between $500 (P29,136.75) and $48,500 (P2,826,264.75) for fictitious emergency leave requests.

Alex is currently held at the Immigration custodial facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, as the Bureau of Immigration coordinates with the Department of Justice to expedite his deportation.

Once deported, he will be placed on the Philippine immigration blacklist, permanently banning his re-entry into the country.