Interpol Arrests Over 300 Black Axe Members for Internet Fraud

The International Criminal Police Organisation has arrested over 300 individuals associated with one of West Africa’s most notorious criminal organizations, Black Axe, along with other related factions.

In a series of clandestine operations, designated “Operation Jackal III,” conducted across 21 nations from April to July 2024, Interpol reported that this highly organized cybercrime syndicate was implicated in significant instances of cyber-enabled financial fraud and various other serious offenses, as noted by the BBC on Wednesday.

While law enforcement characterized the operation as a substantial setback for the Nigerian criminal network, they also cautioned about its extensive global influence and advanced technological capabilities, which render Black Axe a worldwide menace. The report highlighted that Operation Jackal III resulted in the confiscation of $3 million in illicit assets and the freezing of over 700 bank accounts.

Tomonobu Kaya, a senior official at Interpol’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre, emphasized the crucial role of financial technology and cryptocurrency in facilitating the activities of cybercrime organizations, which are infamous for orchestrating multi-million-dollar online frauds.

He remarked, “These groups are highly organized and structured. They are quick to adopt new technologies… Numerous fintech advancements simplify the illegal transfer of funds globally.”

Black Axe is a clandestine criminal network engaged in trafficking, prostitution, and murder operations worldwide. Nevertheless, cybercrime constitutes the group’s primary revenue stream. The report indicated that many members of this feared organization possess university degrees and were recruited while pursuing their education.

In a 2022 report, Interpol stated, “Black Axe and similar entities are accountable for a significant portion of the world’s cyber-enabled financial fraud, in addition to numerous other serious crimes.” Since 2022, several operations under the “Jackal” banner have been executed, resulting in the arrest of numerous Black Axe and other gang affiliates, along with the seizure of their electronic devices during these international efforts.