US imposes global visa ban on cybercriminals sextortionists targeting Americans

US imposes a global visa ban on individuals involved in cybercrime and cyber-enabled crimes, including online investment scams and sexual extortion, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Thursday, July 24 2026. The policy cites over 10 billion dollars lost by Americans to internet fraud in 2024 and the victimisation of American children by overseas blackmailers, which devastated families and futures. Immediate family members of those engaged in such illicit activities may also face visa restrictions. The administration will back the ban with sanctions, prosecutions, asset seizures and extradition requests to dismantle scam networks.

The announcement follows recent cases: Nigerian national Afeez Olatunji Adewale was extradited in February 2026 after his August 17 2023 arrest in Nigeria for wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy linked to the sexual extortion and death of a young man in Pennsylvania. His co-defendants, Samuel Olasunkanmi Abiodun and Imoleayo Samuel Aina, were extradited in August 2024. Abiodun pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy and is serving five years in prison. Aina pleaded guilty to cyberstalking, wire fraud, interstate threat to injure reputation, receiving proceeds of extortion and money laundering conspiracy and was sentenced in October 2025 to six years in prison.

Will this visa restriction deter cybercriminals targeting Nigerians abroad, and how might it affect travel or business plans for those with ties to such schemes?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/07/24/us-new-visa-ban-targets-cyberscammers-sextortionists/