Interpol has recently executed a significant operation that led to the arrest of over 300 individuals connected to the notorious West African criminal organization, Black Axe, along with several affiliated groups. This action was part of “Operation Jackal III,” a series of covert missions conducted across 21 countries between April and July 2024. The operation, according to Interpol, targeted one of the most sophisticated and organized cybercrime networks responsible for global financial fraud and other serious offenses.
Interpol officials hailed this operation as a critical strike against the Nigerian-based crime syndicate, which they described as a growing global menace. Despite this success, authorities remain cautious, warning that Black Axe’s reach and use of advanced technology pose a continued threat worldwide.
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During Operation Jackal III, authorities confiscated approximately $3 million in illicit assets and froze more than 700 bank accounts linked to the syndicate. Interpol’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre highlighted the role of financial technology and cryptocurrency in facilitating the operations of these cybercriminals, who are known for orchestrating multi-million-dollar scams online.
Tomonobu Kaya, a senior official at the center, emphasized that these groups are highly organized and adept at utilizing emerging technologies to illegally transfer funds internationally. He pointed out that the rapid advancement in financial technology has made it easier for such criminal networks to move money undetected.
Black Axe, originally known for its involvement in human trafficking, prostitution, and violent crimes, has increasingly focused on cybercrime as its primary source of income. The syndicate is known to recruit university-educated individuals, often during their time in higher education, to carry out these sophisticated operations.
Since 2022, multiple police operations under the “Jackal” banner have targeted Black Axe and similar criminal organizations. These operations have led to numerous arrests and the seizure of electronic devices, crucial for disrupting the syndicate’s activities. For instance, in 2017, Canadian authorities uncovered a $5 billion money-laundering scheme tied to Black Axe.
To combat the growing threat of these technologically savvy criminal groups, Interpol has developed the Global Rapid Intervention of Payments system. This tool allows member countries to swiftly freeze bank accounts involved in criminal activities. In one notable case, the system was used in July 2024 to prevent a $40 million scam aimed at a Singaporean business.
Kaya stressed the importance of data collection and collaboration among countries to better understand and counteract the methods employed by these syndicates. By gathering comprehensive data, law enforcement can more effectively target and dismantle these criminal networks.
Dr. Oluwole Ojewale, a West Africa Regional Coordinator from the Institute for Security Studies, criticized the lack of government action in curbing the influence of groups like Black Axe. He argued that political figures often exploit these syndicates for their gain, equipping them with resources to perpetrate fraud and other crimes. Ojewale also highlighted the need for a preventive approach, focusing on stopping these groups from growing rather than solely relying on operations against them.
In response to the cybercrime threat, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has pledged increased support for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to enhance its capacity to combat digital crimes. This commitment comes amid ongoing concerns about Nigeria’s reputation as a hub for cybercrime, with the Nigerian Senate warning of an annual loss of $500 million to cybercriminal activities.
Operation Jackal III is part of a broader initiative that began in Ireland in 2020 when authorities identified a large network of Black Axe members operating within the country. The operation revealed that the syndicate had been laundering substantial sums of money through Ireland, further underscoring the group’s global reach and the complex nature of their crimes.
