💛 A quick favor, if you've got a second.
We're really happy that you chose to read one of our stories and sincerely hope you'll stick around to read more. We took our paywall down — for now — but that won't last forever, and when the gate goes back up, we'd love for you to already be on the inside.
It's free. So please enter your email here and don't forget to like and follow us on all of your favorite Social Media platforms!
Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday unveiled a sweeping visa restriction policy aimed at foreign nationals involved in cybercriminal activities, including online scams and sextortion schemes. The measure also extends to immediate family members of those targeted, the State Department confirmed through Rubio’s announcement.
The policy aligns with a broader Trump administration crackdown on cybercriminal enterprises. President Donald Trump earlier signed an executive order called “Combatting Cybercrime, Fraud, and Predatory Schemes Against American Citizens,” which directs federal agencies to develop countermeasures against foreign scam operations, criminal organizations spanning multiple nations, and fraud schemes conducted online.
Rubio highlighted the scope of the threat, noting that scammers—often organized through Chinese transnational criminal networks—defrauded Americans of at least $10 billion during 2024 alone. He emphasized that the schemes fuel broader criminal ecosystems including corruption, money laundering, and human trafficking.
The secretary stressed that overseas criminals have increasingly targeted American minors through sextortion operations, causing severe family and personal harm. To combat these networks, Rubio said the administration plans to deploy sanctions, criminal prosecutions, asset freezes, extradition requests, and coordinated international law enforcement action.
“By restricting visa issuance to those responsible for or complicit in these criminal enterprises, we are sending a clear message: The United States will go after those who prey on our citizens,” Rubio stated.
More Stories
Brianna Turner Accuses Indiana Fever of Covering Up Sexual Harassment Case Against Staff Member
Sacramento Leaders Caught on Hot Mic Debating Public Restrictions After Immigration Hearing Erupts
Congressional Investigators Scrutinize Epstein’s Banker as Model Scout Dies in France