European law enforcement agencies have dealt a major blow to the notorious Black Axe criminal network following the arrest of no fewer than 34 suspected members in coordinated raids across Spain.
The operation was carried out by the Spanish National Police in close collaboration with the Bavarian State Criminal Police Office in Germany, with strategic and operational support from Europol. Arrests were made in multiple Spanish cities as authorities moved in on what investigators described as the “core leadership” of the organisation.
According to police sources, 28 of the suspects were arrested in Seville, while others were picked up in Madrid, Málaga and Barcelona. At least 10 of those arrested are Nigerian nationals. Investigators believe the suspects are linked to large-scale fraud schemes that caused financial losses estimated at over €5.93 million.
During the raids, authorities froze €119,352 held in bank accounts connected to the suspects and recovered an additional €66,403 in cash from various properties.
Black Axe, which is formally linked to the Neo-Black Movement of Africa, is considered by European security agencies to be one of the most dangerous and sophisticated transnational criminal organisations operating today. With roots in Nigeria, the group has expanded into dozens of countries and is associated with crimes ranging from cyber fraud and drug trafficking to human trafficking, prostitution, kidnapping, armed robbery and fraudulent spiritual practices.
Investigators say the group generates billions of euros every year through numerous small-scale criminal operations which, when combined, cause enormous economic and social damage across borders.
The success of the operation was attributed to extensive intelligence sharing and joint planning between Spanish and German authorities. Two German officers were deployed to Spain during the action, while Spanish investigators benefited from analytical and operational support from their German counterparts.
Police also revealed that the network relies heavily on recruiting “money mules” from economically vulnerable communities with high unemployment rates. These individuals—many of them Spanish nationals—are used to move illicit funds and insulate the organisation’s leadership from direct exposure.
Europol played a key role by providing intelligence analysis, coordinating a data sprint in Madrid and offering real-time support during the arrests. The agency explained that its involvement helps connect seemingly minor, localised crimes into a broader picture of organised transnational criminal activity.
Europol’s background findings show that Black Axe operates through a strict hierarchical structure, dividing its operations into about 60 zones within Nigeria and 35 zones abroad, each with roughly 200 members. Authorities estimate the group’s registered membership at around 30,000, with many more associates, facilitators and money mules worldwide.
The organisation is also known for its rigid internal discipline, violent initiation rituals and the use of spiritual practices to enforce loyalty and secrecy.
Law enforcement agencies say investigations are still ongoing, with more arrests and asset seizures expected as European authorities intensify efforts to dismantle Black Axe’s international criminal network.
