Over 300 Arrested As Interpol Disrupts Major West African Cybercrime Syndicate

In a major crackdown on cybercrime, the International Police Organisation (INTERPOL), has apprehended over 300 individuals connected to one of West Africa’s most notorious criminal networks, Black Axe, and its affiliated groups.

This extensive operation, dubbed “Operation Jackal III,” spanned 21 countries between April and July 2024.

Interpol revealed that this sophisticated cybercrime network has been behind significant financial fraud and other serious criminal activities globally, according to a BBC report.

Described as a “major setback” for the Nigerian crime syndicate, the operation exposed Black Axe’s extensive global reach and advanced technological capabilities, making it a formidable international threat.

Operation Jackal III led to the seizure 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, highlighted the role of financial technology and cryptocurrency in facilitating these cybercriminal operations.

He noted, “These syndicates are highly organized and adept at adopting new technologies, which simplifies the illegal movement of funds across borders.”

Black Axe is known for its involvement in various criminal activities including trafficking, prostitution, and violence, with cybercrime being its primary revenue stream.

Many members of the group are reportedly university-educated and were recruited during their academic years.

A 2022 Interpol report identified Black Axe and similar organizations as major contributors to global cyber-enabled financial fraud.

Previous “Jackal” operations have led to numerous arrests and the seizure of electronic devices linked to these groups.

In a notable case from 2017, Canadian authorities uncovered a $5 billion money-laundering scheme connected to Black Axe.

The operation highlighted the need for advanced technological capabilities and a highly skilled workforce to combat such sophisticated criminal networks.

The origins of the Jackal operations trace back to Ireland, where, in 2020, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau uncovered 1,000 individuals linked to Black Axe, leading to the exposure of a broader network.

Detective Superintendent Michael Cryan noted a significant rise in money laundering through Ireland, emphasizing the advanced and often covert nature of these crimes.

The report also detailed that over €1 million in crypto-assets was seized in one of the operations, with an estimated €200 million stolen online in Ireland over the past five years, reflecting just a fraction of reported cybercrime incidents.

Interpol has recently introduced the Global Rapid Intervention of Payments system, allowing member countries to freeze bank accounts with remarkable speed. This system was instrumental in halting a $40 million scam targeting a Singaporean company in July 2024.

Dr. Oluwole Ojewale, West Africa Regional Coordinator at the Institute for Security Studies, criticized the Nigerian government for its perceived failure to effectively tackle such criminal networks.

He also noted the complicity of politicians who allegedly provide support to these syndicates for personal gain.

In response to growing concerns over cybercrime, President Bola Tinubu pledged in February 2024 to bolster the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s capacity to address digital offenses.

He also condemned the widespread stereotyping of Nigeria as a hub for cybercrime and corruption.

The Nigerian Senate had previously highlighted a $500 million annual loss due to cybercrime and warned that inadequate funding for cybersecurity could undermine the digital economy’s benefits.