As Part Of A Global Campaign On West African Criminal Groups, Interpol Makes 300 Arrests

Police detained 300 persons, seized $3 million, and banned 720 bank accounts as part of a global operation that targeted organized crime gangs in West Africa on five continents, according to a report released by Interpol on Tuesday.

The CIA released a statement describing Operation Jackal III, which took place across 21 nations between 10 April and 3 July, as an effort to combat online financial fraud and the West African syndicates who support it.

The head of Interpol’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Center, Isaac Oginni, stated, “The volume of financial fraud originating 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.”

Black Axe, one of the most well-known criminal networks in West Africa, was one of the gangs that was targeted. According to the agency, Black Axe is also involved in drug trafficking, cyber fraud, and people trafficking. It has been linked to violent crimes in Africa and around the world.

According to the CIA, Black Axe opened bank accounts all around the world using money mules and is currently being investigated for linked money laundering crimes in over 40 countries. The suspects include nationals of Venezuela, Nigeria, Argentina, and Colombia.

After a five-year investigation, the police in Argentina clamped down on Black Axe, seizing $1.2 million in high-grade counterfeit currency, detaining 72 people, and freezing almost 100 bank accounts.