The International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) has announced significant outcomes from Operation Jackal III, a global initiative aimed at combating organized crime, particularly targeting the notorious Black Axe gang based in Nigeria.
Conducted from April 10 to July 3, the operation spanned 21 countries across five continents, resulting in over 300 arrests and the identification of 400 additional suspects. Authorities also froze more than 720 bank accounts and seized assets valued at approximately $3 million.
This operation focused on dismantling West African cybercrime syndicates engaged in online financial fraud. The investigation revealed that these groups were involved in large monetary transfers to Nigerian banks, cryptocurrency transactions, and advanced fraud schemes.
Notably, Black Axe is recognized as one of the most prominent transnational organized crime groups in West Africa, implicated in various illicit activities including cyber fraud, human trafficking, and drug smuggling.
Isaac Oginni, Director of INTERPOL’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre, emphasized the alarming rise in financial fraud originating from West Africa, highlighting the necessity for international cooperation among law enforcement agencies to tackle these extensive criminal networks.
He stated, "By identifying suspects, recovering illicit funds, and imprisoning some of West Africa’s most dangerous organized crime leaders, we can diminish their influence and reduce their capacity to harm communities globally."
In Argentina, a five-year investigation culminated in the seizure of $1.2 million in counterfeit currency and the arrest of 72 individuals linked to a Nigerian-led criminal network. This network has been implicated in significant financial losses for over 160 victims and is currently under investigation in more than 40 countries.
The operation underscores the growing threat of cybercrime in Africa, with many countries becoming hotspots for such illicit activities. In response, Nigeria's Central Bank has mandated that telecommunications companies and financial institutions contribute to a cybersecurity fund to bolster defenses against these crimes.