Interpol has successfully conducted a major operation, arresting over 300 people linked to the notorious Black Axe cult and other related criminal groups. Known for their involvement in trafficking, prostitution, and murder, Black Axe primarily funds its activities through cybercrime.
The crackdown, called ‘Operation Jackal III,’ took place from April 10 to July 3 and led to the capture of hundreds of suspects. The operation also resulted in the seizure of assets worth around $3 million, disrupting several global criminal networks.
Spanning across 21 countries on five continents, Operation Jackal III targeted online financial fraud and aimed to dismantle West African syndicates behind these crimes. The operation identified over 400 additional suspects and froze more than 720 bank accounts.
Interpol’s headquarters played a crucial role in sharing intelligence and coordinating the effort. Law enforcement agencies, financial intelligence units, asset recovery offices, and private sector partners from countries including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Nigeria, the United States, and more participated in the operation.
Earlier in February, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu pledged to strengthen the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s ability to combat digital crimes, aligning with initiatives like Operation Jackal III that target financial fraud originating from West Africa.
Isaac Oginni, Director of Interpol’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre, noted, “The amount of financial fraud from West Africa is alarming and rising. This operation highlights the need for global law enforcement cooperation to tackle these extensive criminal networks.”
Tomonobu Kaya, a senior official at IFCACC, pointed out that financial technology and cryptocurrencies play a significant role in enabling these cybercrime syndicates. “These groups are early adopters of new technologies, making it easier to move money illegally around the world,” Kaya said.
In Argentina, a successful sting operation dismantled a Nigerian-led international criminal network after a five-year investigation. Authorities seized $1.2 million in counterfeit money, arrested 72 people, and froze nearly 100 bank accounts. This network, which used money mules to open global bank accounts, is now under investigation in over 40 countries for money laundering.
Suspects included individuals from Argentina, Colombia, Nigeria, and Venezuela. Over 160 fraud victims experienced significant financial losses, with some forced to sell homes or take on large debts.
Diego Verdun, Head of Argentina’s National Central Bureau, commented, “Operation Jackal is a major step forward in fighting West African online financial fraud and shows that cybercriminals can’t escape INTERPOL’s watchful eye. By tracking illegal money worldwide, INTERPOL and the global police community will relentlessly pursue and bring these criminals to justice.”
In Switzerland, a separate operation targeted West African crime groups, resulting in the seizure of cocaine, approximately EUR 45,000 in cash, and several arrests. Portuguese authorities also dismantled a Nigerian network involved in recruiting money mules and laundering funds across Europe, identifying over 25 members and revealing complex money laundering schemes.
This global operation underscores the extensive coordination needed to tackle such widespread criminal networks and highlights the international community’s commitment to holding these syndicates accountable.
