In a coordinated global operation targeting West African organized crime groups across five continents, police arrested 300 people, seized $3 million, and blocked 720 bank accounts, Interpol announced Tuesday.
The Associated Press reports that Operation Jackal III, which ran from April 10 to July 3 in 21 countries, aimed to combat online financial fraud and dismantle the West African syndicates behind it, according to a statement from Interpol.
“The volume of financial fraud stemming from West Africa is alarming and increasing,” said Isaac Oginni, director of Interpol’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre. “This operation’s results underscore the critical need for international law enforcement collaboration to combat these extensive criminal networks.”
One of the targeted groups was Black Axe, one of the most prominent criminal networks in West Africa. Black Axe operates in cyber fraud, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and is responsible for violent crimes both within Africa and globally, the agency added.
AP also stated that in Argentina, following a five-year investigation, the police cracked down on Black Axe and seized $1.2 million in high-quality counterfeit banknotes, arrested 72 suspects, and froze approximately 100 bank accounts.
Interpol, which has 196 member countries and celebrated its centennial last year, works to help national police forces communicate with each other and track suspects and criminals in fields like counterterrorism, financial crime, child exploitation, cybercrime, and organized crime.
