Major International Operation Targets Nigeria’s Black Axe Mafia
Interpol’s Operation Jackal III effectively targeted the Black Axe mafia, leading to 300 arrests and significant asset seizures across 21 countries. The organization, known for its sophisticated cyber-crime operations, remains a formidable global threat despite these setbacks. Experts emphasize the need for preventive strategies in addition to current operations, given the socio-economic factors contributing to such criminal activities.
In a significant operation coordinated by Interpol, police forces from twenty-one countries launched Operation Jackal III, targeting the notorious Black Axe mafia, a prominent criminal network based in Nigeria. Between April and July 2024, this extensive crackdown led to the arrest of 300 individuals with affiliations to Black Axe and its various associates. Interpol characterized the operation as a substantial setback for the organization, which continues to pose a global threat due to its advanced technological capabilities and far-reaching international connections. A striking example of this group’s activities involved a 2017 money laundering scheme in Canada that was valued at over $5 billion, highlighting the extensive reach of their criminal enterprise. Tomonobu Kaya, a senior official at Interpol’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre, emphasized that Black Axe functions with a high degree of organization and structure. He noted that innovations in financial technologies and cryptocurrencies have facilitated their operations, making it more challenging to track illicit financial movements. The recent operation not only led to the seizure of $3 million worth of illegal assets but also resulted in the freezing of over 700 bank accounts. The recruitment of Black Axe members often begins during their university education, revealing a shocking aspect of the organization’s clandestine nature, which is involved in trafficking, prostitution, and violent crimes, with cyber-crime serving as its major revenue source. Despite the impressive numbers of arrests and seizures, experts like Dr. Oluwole Ojewale from the Institute for Security Studies argue for a more preventive approach to tackling the roots of these criminal syndicates in West Africa. He highlighted the pervasive challenges of corruption and connections between local authorities and criminal groups. Interestingly, the roots of these international Jackal operations can be traced back to Ireland, where undercover actions by the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau in 2020 unveiled the scale of Black Axe’s operations. Today, more than 1,000 individuals linked to the organization have been identified in Ireland alone, with significant monetary losses attributed to their sophisticated cyber-crime strategies. Interpol is also stepping up its technological efforts, including the implementation of the Global Rapid Intervention of Payments system (I-GRIP), which enhances the speed at which authorities can freeze bank accounts globally. Mr. Kaya expressed optimism that with continual data gathering and international cooperation, law enforcement can effectively counter the complex operations of Black Axe and similar syndicates.
The Black Axe mafia represents a significant criminal network operating out of West Africa, specifically Nigeria. This organization has been implicated in numerous illicit activities, particularly cyber-crime, which has surged in sophistication due to advancements in technology. Interpol’s ongoing efforts to tackle such crime syndicates have highlighted the importance of international cooperation in policing strategies. The rise of cryptocurrencies and online money transfer systems has particularly benefited groups like Black Axe, delineating the urgent necessity for law enforcement agencies to adapt to these changing landscapes in crime.
The recent Operation Jackal III signifies a notable progress in the global fight against the Black Axe mafia, resulting in numerous arrests and recoveries of illicit assets. However, the scale and technological adeptness of the group signal an ongoing challenge for law enforcement. As experts suggest, a focus on root causes and preventive measures in West Africa could further assist in dismantling such organized crime networks. The collaboration between international policing organizations and local authorities remains crucial in this endeavor, as innovative strategies like I-GRIP present new avenues for addressing the complexities of modern crime.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
