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Interpol Takes Aim at Black Axe, Other West African Cyber Gangs

Interpol, the international criminal police organisation, has carried out a vast police operation against West African mafia groups specialising in internet fraud. The operation, codenamed Operation Jackal, resulted in the seizure or freezing of more than two million euro and the arrest of 103 people in 21 countries.

Those targeted included mafia groups and West African gangs such as Black Axe, an organisation founded in Nigeria that targets victims around the world with online scams. Interpol described Black Axe as "a violent mafia-style gang renowned for cyber-enabled financial fraud".

The operation involved police, financial crime units, and cybercrime agencies across countries such as Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, South Africa, France, and the United States.

In total, 208 bank accounts were blocked, 103 people were arrested and U.S.$2.36 million were seized or frozen. Interpol said it would step up this type of operation, making it a priority at a time when fraud is on the rise.

InFocus

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