Interpol Arrests Over 300 Dreaded Black Axe Members, Others
More than 300 persons have been arrested and detained by the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), on suspicion of having ties to Black Axe, one of the most dangerous criminal networks in West Africa, and other related organizations.
A covert criminal organization operating globally, the Black Axe, is involved in prostitution, human trafficking and assassination activities.
However, the group’s main source of income is cybercrime.
The investigation, known as “Operation Jackal III,” has resulted in hundreds of arrests, the seizure of $3 million worth of assets, and the breakup of several criminal networks worldwide, according to a statement from Interpol.
Operation Jackal III targeted online financial fraud and the West African syndicates that perpetrated it.
It took place from April 10 to July 3 and covered 21 nations on five continents.
More than 720 bank accounts were blocked in addition to the identification of over 400 more suspects.
The INTERPOL headquarters helps nations by enabling the sharing of intelligence and the recognition and capture of offenders.
In Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Cote D’Ivoire, France, Germany, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Nigeria, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States, Operation Jackal III mobilized police forces, financial intelligence units, asset recovery offices, and private sector partners.
To strengthen the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s ability to combat digital offences, President Bola Tinubu promised to enhance funds for the commission in February, 2024.
Director of INTERPOL’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre, IFCACC, Isaac Oginni, said, “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 can weaken their influence and reduce their capacity to harm communities around the world.”
Senior officer Tomonobu Kaya of Interpol’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Center emphasized the role that Bitcoin and financial technology play in supporting cybercrime syndicates, who are notorious for their multi-million dollar internet fraud.
He said: “They are very organized and very structured. These criminal syndicates are early adopters of new technologies.
“A lot of fintech developments make it easy to illegally move money around the world.”