THE INTERPOL HAS RAIDED AND ARRESTED HUNDREDS OF BLACK AXE ASSOCIATES

More than 300 persons have been arrested by the International Criminal Police Organisation (ICPO) in connection with one of West Africa’s most dreaded criminal networks, Black Axe, and other associated groups.

Interpol said in a series of clandestine missions dubbed “Operation Jackal III” in 21 nations between April and July 2024 that the highly-coordinated cybercrime network was responsible for some of the world’s cyber-enabled financial fraud and many other severe crimes, according to the BBC.

While the police described the operation as a “major blow” to the Nigerian crime network, they also warned of its global reach and technological skill, deeming the Black Axe a global menace.

According to the report, Operation Jackal III resulted in the seizure of $3 million worth of illegal assets and the freezing of more than 700 bank accounts.

Tomonobu Kaya, a senior official at Interpol’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre, emphasised the importance of financial technology and cryptocurrency in the operations of cybercrime syndicates known for multi-million dollar internet scams.

He stated, “They are incredibly organised and structured.

The crime syndicates are early adopters of new technologies. Many fintech advancements facilitate the unlawful movement of money around the world.”

The Black Axe is a covert criminal organisation that engages in human trafficking, prostitution, and murder activities all over the world. However, cybercrime is the group’s main source of income. According to the article, numerous members of the infamous group have university degrees and were recruited while in school.