In a coordinated global crackdown, police units from 21 countries have targeted one of West Africa’s most notorious criminal networks, Black Axe. Operation Jackal III, led by Interpol between April and July 2024, resulted in the arrest of 300 individuals connected to the group, dealing a significant blow to the syndicate. Despite this success, Interpol warns that Black Axe’s technological prowess and international reach continue to pose a severe threat.
Renowned for their involvement in cyber-enabled financial fraud, Black Axe has exploited advancements in money-transfer software and cryptocurrency to fuel their illegal operations. The group, deeply entrenched in cybercrime, generates millions through online scams, money laundering, and other illicit activities.
Despite the recent arrests and the freezing of over 700 bank accounts, experts argue that more needs to be done to address the root causes of these crime syndicates, particularly in Nigeria, where corruption and poverty create fertile ground for recruitment into groups like Black Axe.
As global efforts intensify, Interpol has launched the Global Rapid Intervention of Payments (I-GRIP) system, enabling authorities to freeze bank accounts worldwide with unprecedented speed. This technology aims to counter the sophisticated financial operations of Black Axe and similar groups, marking a crucial step in the ongoing battle against global organized crime.
