Interpol arrests members of West African cybercrime mafia, Black Axe

The International Criminal Police Organisation has arrested more than 300 people linked to one of West Africa’s most feared criminal networks, Black Axe, and other affiliated groups.

According to a press release from the organization, the operation led to hundreds of arrests, the seizure of assets worth $3 million and the dismantling of multiple criminal networks around the world.

Operation Jackal III, which took place from April 10 to July 3 in 21 countries on five continents, targeted online financial fraud and the West African syndicates behind it.

In addition, more than 400 suspects were identified, with more than 720 bank accounts blocked.

President Bola Tinubu in February 2024 pledged more support to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to enhance the commission’s capacity to tackle digital crimes.

Director of INTERPOL’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre (IFCACC) Isaac Oginni said: “The scale of financial fraud originating in West Africa is alarming and increasing. The results of this operation underscore the urgent need for international law enforcement cooperation to combat these extensive criminal networks.

“By identifying suspects, recovering illicit funds and putting some of West Africa’s most dangerous organised crime leaders behind bars, we can weaken their influence and reduce their ability to harm communities around the world.”

The Black Axe is a secretive criminal network that engages in human trafficking, prostitution and assassination operations around the world. However, cybercrime is the group’s largest source of income.

The report reveals that several members of the feared group have university degrees and were integrated into the group during their training.

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

Interpol said it has launched the Global Rapid Intervention of Payments system, allowing authorities in its 196 member states to freeze bank accounts around the world with unprecedented speed.

According to police, the mechanism was used to stop a $40 million fraud case targeting a Singapore company in July 2024.

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