INTERPOL Nabs Over 300 Suspects Tied to Notorious West African Crime Network, Black Axe

The International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) has arrested more than 300 individuals with connections to Black Axe, one of West Africa’s most notorious criminal networks, along with other affiliated groups.

The Black Axe, a secretive and feared organization, is involved in trafficking, prostitution, and violent operations globally, with cybercrime being its most significant revenue stream.

According to an official release by INTERPOL, the operation, which spanned from 10 April to 3 July, resulted in hundreds of arrests, the seizure of assets worth $3 million, and the dismantling of multiple criminal networks worldwide.

The crackdown, dubbed Operation Jackal III, targeted online financial fraud and the West African syndicates driving it, and it took place across 21 countries on five continents.

In addition to the arrests, INTERPOL identified over 400 additional suspects and blocked more than 720 bank accounts linked to the criminal activities.

President Bola Tinubu had pledged increased support for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to bolster its efforts against digital offences in February 2024. The commitment was underscored by the significant international law enforcement collaboration seen in Operation Jackal III.

Isaac Oginni, Director of INTERPOL’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre (IFCACC), highlighted the growing threat of financial fraud originating from West Africa, noting, “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.”

Major Arrests and Seizures in Argentina

In Argentina, Operation Jackal III led to the dismantling of a Nigerian-led transnational criminal network after a five-year investigation.

Authorities seized USD 1.2 million in high-quality counterfeit banknotes known as ‘supernotes,’ arrested 72 suspects, and froze approximately 100 bank accounts.

The network was also found using money mules to open bank accounts globally and is now under investigation in over 40 countries for related money laundering activities. Among the suspects are citizens from Argentina, Colombia, Nigeria, and Venezuela. More than 160 victims suffered significant financial losses, with some forced to sell their homes or take out large loans.

Diego Verdun, Head of Argentina’s National Central Bureau, emphasized the importance of Operation Jackal III, stating, “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.”

Additional Arrests in Switzerland and Portugal

In Switzerland, INTERPOL cracked down on West African organized crime syndicates, seizing cocaine, approximately EUR 45,000 in cash, and arresting multiple suspects.

Meanwhile, in Portugal, police dismantled a Nigerian network involved in recruiting money mules and laundering funds from online financial fraud victims across Europe. During the operation, over 25 syndicate members were identified, with seized data revealing extensive cryptocurrency transactions and sophisticated money laundering activities.

INTERPOL headquarters played a critical role in coordinating the exchange of intelligence and assisting in the identification and apprehension of suspects. The operation involved law enforcement agencies, financial intelligence units, asset recovery offices, and private sector partners from countries including 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 to various forms of cybercrime across the country, highlighting the ongoing challenge of digital fraud in the region.