- Operation Jackal III resulted in the arrest of 300 individuals
- The operation spanned from April to July 2024
- Black Axe's influence extends far beyond West Africa
In a coordinated global effort, police units from around the world have dealt a significant blow to the notorious West African criminal network, Black Axe.
Operation Jackal III, led by Interpol, resulted in the arrest of 300 individuals linked to Black Axe and its affiliated groups across 21 countries.
The operation, which spanned from April to July 2024, involved raids on suspected Black Axe hideouts and the seizure of millions of dollars in illicit assets.
Interpol hailed the operation as a “major breakthrough” in combating the network’s global reach and technological sophistication.
Black Axe: A Cybercrime Powerhouse
Known for its involvement in trafficking, prostitution, and violent crimes, Black Axe has emerged as a leading player in cybercrime.
The organization’s sophisticated online operations have netted billions of dollars through scams targeting individuals and businesses worldwide.
Interpol’s Tomonobu Kaya, a senior official at the agency’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre, highlighted the group’s ability to exploit technological advancements. “They are early adopters of new technologies, and innovations like money-transfer software and cryptocurrency have made it easier for them to move money illegally across borders,” he said.
A Global Threat
Black Axe’s influence extends far beyond West Africa. The organization has established a presence in numerous countries, including Canada, where authorities uncovered a money-laundering scheme linked to the group worth over $5 billion.
To combat this global threat, Interpol has been coordinating international efforts to dismantle Black Axe’s networks.
Operation Jackal III is just one example of the agency’s ongoing work to disrupt the group’s activities and bring its members to justice.
