The International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) has conducted a major operation, arresting over 300 individuals linked to Black Axe and other affiliated criminal networks across West Africa.
Black Axe, a covert organization involved in trafficking, prostitution, and violence, primarily generates revenue through cybercrime.
Operation Jackal III, which ran from April 10 to July 3, targeted online financial fraud and West African syndicates operating globally. The operation spanned 21 countries across five continents and led to the arrest of hundreds of suspects, the seizure of assets valued at $3 million, and the dismantling of multiple criminal networks. Over 400 additional suspects were identified, and more than 720 bank accounts were blocked.
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Isaac Oginni, Director of INTERPOL’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre (IFCACC), commented, “The volume of financial fraud stemming from West Africa is alarming and increasing. This operation’s results underscore the critical need for international law enforcement collaboration to combat these extensive criminal networks. By identifying suspects, recovering illicit funds, and putting some of West Africa’s most dangerous organized crime leaders behind bars, we are able to weaken their influence and reduce their capacity to harm communities around the world.”
In Argentina, the operation led to the dismantling of a Nigerian-led transnational network following a five-year investigation. Federal Police seized $1.2 million in high-quality counterfeit banknotes, arrested 72 suspects, and froze approximately 100 bank accounts. The network used money mules to open accounts worldwide and is now under investigation in over 40 countries for related money laundering activities.
Diego Verdun, Head of Argentina’s National Central Bureau, stated, “Operation Jackal is a crucial step forward in combating West African online financial fraud and clearly demonstrates that cybercriminals cannot escape the watchful eye of INTERPOL’s 196 member countries, especially in Argentina. By following illegal money trails worldwide, INTERPOL and the global police community ensure that no matter where these criminals try to hide, they will be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice.”
In Switzerland, the operation targeted West African organized crime syndicates, resulting in the seizure of cocaine, approximately EUR 45,000 in cash, and several arrests. Portuguese authorities dismantled a Nigerian network involved in recruiting money mules and laundering funds from online fraud victims across Europe, identifying over 25 syndicate members.
Operation Jackal III also involved extensive cooperation among police forces, financial intelligence units, asset recovery offices, and private sector partners from countries including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Nigeria, Portugal, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
This global effort highlights INTERPOL’s commitment to tracking and dismantling criminal operations and follows recent concerns in Nigeria about an annual loss of $500 million due to cybercrime.
