IN a sweeping global operation, Interpol has dismantled major West African organised crime syndicates, arresting 300 suspects and seizing $3 million. The operation, named Jackal III, ran from April 10 to July 3 across 21 countries, targeting cyber fraud and financial crimes orchestrated by these groups.
Isaac Oginni, Director of Interpol’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre, emphasised the alarming rise in financial fraud from West Africa, highlighting the necessity for international cooperation in combating these criminal networks. ‘This operation’s results underscore the critical need for international law enforcement collaboration to combat these extensive criminal networks,’ Oginni stated.
Among the targeted groups was Black Axe, one of West Africa’s most notorious criminal networks involved in cyber fraud, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and violent crimes both within Africa and globally. Black Axe’s operations include using money mules to open bank accounts worldwide, leading to money laundering investigations in over 40 countries. Suspects arrested include citizens from Argentina, Colombia, Nigeria, and Venezuela.
In Argentina, police seized $1.2 million in counterfeit banknotes, arrested 72 individuals, and froze approximately 100 bank accounts after a five-year investigation into Black Axe.
Interpol, celebrating its centennial last year, continues to aid national police forces in counterterrorism, financial crime, child pornography, cybercrime, and organised crime. Despite its significant achievements, the organisation faces increasing challenges, including a growing caseload of cybercrime and child abuse, and political divisions among its 196 member countries.
Operation Jackal III highlights the persistent and evolving threat of organised crime and underscores the importance of global cooperation in maintaining security and justice.
