The International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) has arrested more than 300 individuals connected to the notorious West African criminal network, Black Axe, and its affiliates. Known for its involvement in trafficking, prostitution, and killings globally, Black Axe primarily generates revenue through cybercrime.
Interpol’s operation, known as Operation Jackal III, resulted in the arrest of hundreds of suspects, the seizure of assets worth $3 million, and the dismantling of numerous criminal networks worldwide.
The operation, which took place from April 10 to July 3 across 21 countries on five continents, focused on online financial fraud and the West African syndicates orchestrating these crimes. In addition to the arrests, over 400 other suspects were identified, and more than 720 bank accounts were blocked.
In response to these developments, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu pledged in February 2024 to bolster the capacity of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to combat digital offenses.
Isaac Oginni, Director of INTERPOL’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre (IFCACC), commented on the operation’s success: “The volume of financial fraud originating from West Africa is both alarming and increasing.
The results of this operation highlight the urgent need for international law enforcement cooperation to tackle these extensive criminal networks. By identifying suspects, recovering illicit funds, and incarcerating some of West Africa’s most dangerous organized crime leaders, we are able to diminish their influence and reduce their ability to harm communities worldwide.”
Global Crackdown and Arrests
In Argentina, Operation Jackal III led to the dismantling of a Nigerian-led transnational criminal network after a five-year investigation. The Federal Police seized USD 1.2 million in high-quality counterfeit banknotes known as ‘supernotes,’ arrested 72 suspects, and froze around 100 bank accounts.
This network, which utilized money mules to open bank accounts globally, is currently under investigation in over 40 countries for related money laundering activities.
The suspects include citizens from Argentina, Colombia, Nigeria, and Venezuela. More than 160 fraud victims experienced significant financial losses, with some being forced to sell their homes or take out substantial loans.
Tracing Illegal Money
Diego Verdun, Head of Argentina’s National Central Bureau, stated, “Operation Jackal is a significant advancement in the fight against West African online financial fraud. It clearly shows that cybercriminals cannot evade INTERPOL’s reach across its 196 member countries, particularly in Argentina.
By tracking illegal money trails globally, INTERPOL and the international police community ensure that these criminals will be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice, no matter where they try to hide.”
In a separate case in Switzerland, authorities targeted West African organized crime syndicates operating across the country, seizing cocaine, approximately EUR 45,000 in cash, and arresting multiple suspects.
Cryptocurrency Transactions and Money Laundering
In Portugal, criminal police dismantled a Nigerian network involved in recruiting money mules and laundering funds obtained from online financial fraud across Europe. More than 25 members of the syndicate were identified during the operation.
Data from seized computers and phones revealed significant transfers to Nigerian bank accounts, cryptocurrency transactions, and intricate money laundering operations.
INTERPOL headquarters support countries by facilitating intelligence sharing and aiding in the identification and apprehension of suspects.
Operation Jackal III brought together police forces, financial intelligence units, asset recovery offices, and private sector partners from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Côte d’Ivoire, France, Germany, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Nigeria, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
In November 2023, the Nigerian Senate expressed concerns over the country’s annual loss of $500 million due to various forms of cybercrime, emphasizing the need for ongoing international collaboration to address this growing issue.
