Interpol has announced the arrest of 300 individuals suspected of being members of the Black Axe group.
These arrests occurred across 21 countries from April to July 2024 as part of Operation Jackal III.
Black Axe, notorious in Nigeria, is known for its violent and criminal activities.
Many members are recruited from universities.
Tomonobu Kaya, a senior official at Interpol’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre, told the BBC that the operation delivered a significant blow to the criminal organisation.
Kaya noted that the group is associated with several multi-million dollar online frauds.
“They are highly organised and structured,” Kaya explained. “These criminal groups quickly adopt new technologies, and many fintech innovations facilitate illegal money transfers globally.”
Kaya emphasised the importance of gathering and analysing data from these countries to understand their operational methods.
Operation Jackal III resulted in the confiscation of $3 million in illegal assets and the freezing of over 700 bank accounts linked to the group’s members.
Despite numerous efforts to dismantle it, Black Axe continues its criminal operations.
NANCY MBAMALU
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