JUST IN: How INTERPOL arrested hundreds of Black Axe members linked to fraud in West Africa

The operation specifically targeted West African organized crime groups, including the notorious Black Axe, and focused on combating online financial fraud.

Running from April 10 to July 3, Operation Jackal III spanned 21 countries across five continents.

The collaborative effort resulted in around 300 arrests, the identification of over 400 additional suspects, and the blocking of more than 720 bank accounts.

Isaac Oginni, Director of INTERPOL's Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre (IFCACC), said, "The volume of financial fraud stemming from West Africa is alarming and increasing. This operation's results underscore the critical need for international law enforcement collaboration to combat these extensive criminal networks.

"By identifying suspects, recovering illicit funds, and putting some of West Africa's most dangerous organized crime leaders behind bars, we are able to weaken their influence and reduce their capacity to harm communities around the world.ÔÇØ

In Argentina, the operation saw the dismantling of a major Nigerian-led transnational criminal network after a five-year investigation.

The Argentinian Federal Police seized USD 1.2 million in high-quality counterfeit banknotes, arrested 72 suspects, and froze approximately 100 bank accounts.

The network is now under investigation in over 40 countries for related money laundering activities. Victims of the fraud suffered significant financial losses, with some forced to sell their homes or take out large loans.

Diego Verdun, Head of Argentina's National Central Bureau, commented on the operation, saying, "Operation Jackal is a crucial step forward in combating West African online financial fraud and clearly demonstrates that cybercriminals cannot escape the watchful eye of INTERPOL's 196 member countries - especially in Argentina.

"By following illegal money trails worldwide, INTERPOL and the global police community ensure that no matter where these criminals try to hide, they will be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice.ÔÇØ

In Switzerland, law enforcement seized over a kilogram of cocaine and approximately EUR 45,000 in cash, arresting multiple suspects believed to be part of a West African organized crime syndicate.

Meanwhile, in Portugal, the police dismantled a Nigerian network involved in money mule recruitment and laundering funds from online financial fraud victims across Europe.

Data from seized computers and phones revealed large transfers to Nigerian bank accounts, cryptocurrency transactions, and sophisticated money laundering operations.

The operation mobilized police forces, financial intelligence units, asset recovery offices, and private sector partners from countries including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Cote D'Ivoire, France, Germany, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Nigeria, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States.