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Interpol has announced that a worldwide crackdown, dubbed “Operation Jackal III,” has resulted in the arrest of hundreds of individuals, the seizure of $3 million in assets, and the dismantling of multiple criminal networks.
This operation, which ran from April 10 to July 3, focused on combating online financial fraud orchestrated by West African organized crime groups. One such group, known as “Black Axe,” was significantly impacted by the operation. Their illegal activities extend beyond cyber fraud to include human trafficking and drug smuggling.
Officials report that over 300 people were arrested, more than 400 additional suspects were identified, and over 720 bank accounts were seized across 21 countries. Isaac Oginni, Director of INTERPOL’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre, highlighted the mission’s success and the escalating threat of financial fraud from West Africa. He stated, “By identifying suspects, recovering illicit funds, and imprisoning key figures of West African organized crime, we are able to weaken their influence and reduce their capacity to harm communities worldwide.”
Digging Deeper:
In Argentina, Operation Jackal III led to the dismantling of a Nigerian-led transnational criminal network after a five-year investigation. Federal Police seized $1.2 million in high-quality counterfeit banknotes, arrested 72 people, and froze approximately 100 bank accounts. This network, under investigation in over 40 countries, used “money mules” to facilitate money laundering activities.
In Switzerland, police targeted West African crime syndicates operating nationwide, seizing cocaine, approximately $50,000 in cash, and arresting multiple people.
According to Interpol, Operation Jackal III mobilized police forces, financial intelligence units, asset recovery offices, and private sector partners from countries including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Cote D’Ivoire, France, Germany, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Nigeria, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
