Fact-check · Oct 30, 2026 · Scott Bessent
“We captured four of the most wanted fraudsters on four separate continents who are on the run for nearly five thousand days who defrauded Americans of $2,000,000,000”
MISLEADINGSaid in 2 broadcasts
What the record shows
FBI captured SIX Most Wanted Fraudsters (not four) across four continents who collectively spent over 4,000 days (not nearly 5,000) on the run, linked to over $2 billion in fraud. Announced by FBI Director Kash Patel, October 25, 2026.
Speaker understated captures (4 vs. 6) and overstated days on run (nearly 5,000 vs. 4,000+). Dollar figure and continents correct.
Sources
- FBI Captures Six Fraud Fugitives, Seizes Nearly $17bn In Global Scam Crackdown
- US Announces Capture of Six Most-Wanted Fraudsters Across Four Continents - YEN.COM.GH
- FBI Director Announces Capture of 6 Most Wanted Fraudsters Across 4 Continents - Legit.ng
- FULL LIST: Six Most-Wanted Fraudsters By FBI - Trending News
- FBI Captures Six Most-Wanted Fraudsters, Seizes $17bn in Global Crackdown - Arbiterz
- Charles E. Johnson (FBI Most Wanted fugitive)
From: Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent Holds a Fraud Task Force Press Conference in St. Cloud, MN
Every time it was said
2 times, Sep 12, 2026 to Oct 30, 2026 · 1 misleading · 1 false
MisleadingFalse
The verdicts differ. Differences come from changes in the wording or in what each check found. Each check is linked below.
Sep 12, 2026FALSE
Oct 30, 2026MISLEADING
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