US Visa Ban Targets Cybercriminals and Sextortionists

The United States has introduced a new global visa ban aimed at combating internet crime, fraud, and predatory schemes against its nationals. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced this policy on Thursday, citing an "unprecedented threat" from online investment scams, particularly those linked to Chinese transnational criminal organizations.

The ban specifically targets individuals involved in cybercrime, including scams and sexual extortion, and may also affect their immediate family members. The Trump Administration is employing sanctions, prosecutions, asset seizures, and extradition requests to dismantle these networks.

Notably, Afeez Olatunji Adewale, a Nigerian, was extradited to the U.S. to face charges related to the sexual extortion and death of a young man in Pennsylvania. Adewale was arrested in Nigeria on August 17, 2023, following an operation with the FBI.

He faces charges of wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy. His co-defendants, Samuel Olasunkanmi Abiodun and Imoleayo Samuel Aina, were extradited in August 2024, with Abiodun serving five years in prison and Aina sentenced to six years in October 2025.