The International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) has apprehended more than 300 individuals associated with Black Axe, one of West Africa’s most notorious criminal networks, as well as other related groups.

Black Axe, a clandestine criminal organisation, is involved in trafficking, prostitution, and a range of violent activities worldwide. However, the group’s primary source of revenue is cybercrime.

According to an official statement from INTERPOL, the operation resulted in hundreds of arrests, the seizure of assets valued at $3 million, and the dismantling of several criminal networks across the globe.

Operation Jackal III, which took place from 10 April to 3 July across 21 countries spanning five continents, specifically targeted online financial fraud and the West African syndicates responsible for it. The operation also led to the identification of over 400 additional suspects and the freezing of more than 720 bank accounts.

In February 2024, President Bola Tinubu pledged to bolster the resources of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to enhance its capacity to combat digital crimes.

Isaac Oginni, Director of INTERPOL’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre (IFCACC), commented: “The scale of financial fraud originating from West Africa is both alarming and on the rise. The outcomes of this operation highlight the vital importance of international law enforcement cooperation in tackling these extensive criminal networks.

“By identifying suspects, recovering illicit funds, and incarcerating some of West Africa’s most dangerous organised crime leaders, we are able to diminish their influence and reduce their ability to inflict harm on communities worldwide.”

In Argentina, Operation Jackal III led to the takedown of a Nigerian-led transnational criminal network following a five-year investigation. The Federal Police seized $1.2 million in ‘supernotes’—high-quality counterfeit banknotes—arrested 72 suspects, and froze nearly 100 bank accounts. The network, which used money mules to open bank accounts globally, is now under investigation in over 40 countries for related money laundering activities. The suspects include nationals from Argentina, Colombia, Nigeria, and Venezuela.

Over 160 victims of fraud suffered significant financial losses, with some forced to sell their homes or take on substantial loans as a result.

Diego Verdun, Head of Argentina’s National Central Bureau, remarked: “Operation Jackal marks a crucial advancement in the fight against West African online financial fraud. It clearly demonstrates that cybercriminals cannot evade the vigilance of INTERPOL’s 196 member countries, particularly in Argentina.

“By tracking illicit money trails around the world, INTERPOL and the global police community ensure that no matter where these criminals attempt to hide, they will be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice.”

In a separate case in Switzerland, authorities cracked down on West African organised crime syndicates operating nationwide, seizing cocaine, approximately EUR 45,000 in cash, and arresting multiple suspects.

Meanwhile, in Portugal, criminal police dismantled a Nigerian network involved in recruiting money mules and laundering funds from online financial fraud victims across Europe. More than 25 syndicate members were identified during the operation. Data retrieved from seized computers and phones revealed large transfers to Nigerian bank accounts, cryptocurrency transactions, and sophisticated money laundering schemes.

INTERPOL headquarters played a crucial role by facilitating intelligence sharing and aiding in the identification and apprehension of suspects.

Operation Jackal III mobilised police forces, financial intelligence units, asset recovery offices, and private sector partners in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Cote 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 raised concerns about the country’s annual loss of $500 million to various forms of cybercrime.