Interpol in technological arms race with Nigerian mafia

OTTAWA: Police forces around the world have joined forces in a series of covert operations targeting one of West Africa’s most feared criminal networks: Black Axe.

During Operation Jackal III, officers in bulletproof vests carried out raids in 21 countries between April and July 2024.

The mission, coordinated by the international police agency Interpol, led to the arrest of 300 people associated with Black Axe and other affiliated groups.

Interpol called the operation a “major blow” to the Nigerian criminal network, but warned that its international reach and technological sophistication mean it remains a global threat.

In one notorious example, Canadian authorities said in 2017 they had dismantled a money laundering operation linked to Black Axe worth more than $5bn (£3.8bn).

“They are organised and structured,” said Tomonobu Kaya, a senior official at Interpol’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre.

According to a 2022 Interpol report, “Black Axe and similar groups are responsible for the majority of cyber-based financial fraud worldwide, as well as many other serious crimes.”

According to Mr. Kaya, innovations in money transfer software and cryptocurrencies actually play into the hands of groups known for online scams involving millions of dollars.

“These criminal syndicates are early adopters of new technologies… Many fintech developments make it easy to move illicit money around the world.” – Reuters