The International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) has apprehended over 300 individuals linked to one of West Africa’s most notorious criminal networks, Black Axe, and its affiliated groups.
Black Axe, a covert criminal organization, is involved in trafficking, prostitution, and violent operations worldwide, with cybercrime being its primary source of income.
According to INTERPOL, the operation has led to numerous arrests, the seizure of assets valued at $3 million, and the dismantling of multiple criminal networks globally.
Operation Jackal III, conducted from April 10 to July 3 across 21 countries on five continents, targeted online financial fraud and the West African syndicates responsible for it.
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The operation also identified over 400 additional suspects and resulted in the blocking of more than 720 bank accounts.
In February 2024, President Bola Tinubu pledged increased support for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to enhance its ability to combat digital offenses.
Isaac Oginni, Director of INTERPOL’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre (IFCACC), remarked, “The scale of financial fraud originating from West Africa is both alarming and escalating.
The results of this operation highlight the urgent need for international law enforcement collaboration to tackle these extensive criminal networks.
By identifying suspects, recovering illicit funds, and imprisoning some of West Africa’s most dangerous organized crime leaders, we are weakening their influence and reducing their capacity to harm communities globally.”
In Argentina, Operation Jackal III dismantled a Nigerian-led transnational criminal network following a five-year investigation. Federal Police seized $1.2 million in high-quality counterfeit banknotes, arrested 72 suspects, and froze around 100 bank accounts.
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This network used money mules to open bank accounts worldwide and is under investigation in over 40 countries for related money laundering activities.
Over 160 fraud victims experienced significant financial losses, with some forced to sell their homes or take out large loans.
Diego Verdun, Head of Argentina’s National Central Bureau, stated: “Operation Jackal is a significant advancement in combating West African online financial fraud and clearly demonstrates that cybercriminals cannot escape the vigilance of INTERPOL’s 196 member countries—especially in Argentina.
By tracing illegal money trails worldwide, INTERPOL and the global police community ensure that these criminals are relentlessly pursued and brought to justice, no matter where they attempt to hide.”
In Switzerland, the operation targeted West African organized crime syndicates operating nationally, leading to the seizure of cocaine, approximately EUR 45,000 in cash, and multiple arrests.
Portuguese authorities dismantled a Nigerian network involved in recruiting money mules and laundering funds from online financial fraud victims across Europe.
More than 25 syndicate members were identified, with seized data revealing large transfers to Nigerian bank accounts, cryptocurrency transactions, and sophisticated money laundering schemes.
INTERPOL facilitated intelligence exchange and the identification and apprehension of suspects through its headquarters.
Operation Jackal III mobilized police forces, financial intelligence units, asset recovery offices, and private sector partners across 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 an annual loss of $500 million due to various forms of cybercrime across the country.
