Interpol's "Operation Jackal III" has dismantled the notorious Black Axe criminal network, arresting over 300 individuals across 21 countries. This operation, targeting advanced cyber-enabled financial fraud and other serious crimes, emphasizes the need for international cooperation and advanced technology in combating organized cybercrime.
In a significant operation targeting one of West Africa's most notorious criminal networks, Interpol has dismantled the Black Axe syndicate, resulting in the arrest of over 300 individuals connected to the organization. Dubbed “Operation Jackal III,” this extensive campaign spanned 21 countries and took place between April and July 2024. The operation underscores the global reach and technological sophistication of Black Axe, which has been implicated in some of the most advanced cyber-enabled financial frauds and various other serious crimes.
According to Interpol, the crackdown is a major setback for the syndicate, which is recognized as a considerable global threat. During the operation, authorities seized $3 million in illicit assets and froze more than 700 bank accounts associated with Black Axe. Tomonobu Kaya, a senior official at Interpol’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre, noted the critical role that financial technology and cryptocurrency play in facilitating these crimes. “They are very organized and very structured,” Kaya stated, highlighting how these groups are early adopters of technology that aids in the illegal movement of funds.
Black Axe is not only known for cybercrime but also for its involvement in human trafficking and violent crimes. The group primarily generates revenue through its cyber operations, with many of its members being university-educated individuals recruited during their academic years. This recent operation follows previous “Jackal” initiatives, which have led to multiple arrests and the seizure of electronic devices used in their transnational activities.
To combat such sophisticated networks effectively, Interpol has introduced the Global Rapid Intervention of Payments (GRIP) system, allowing authorities to freeze accounts across its 196-member countries rapidly. This new system played a crucial role in preventing a $40 million scam targeting a business in Singapore earlier this year. The international cooperation displayed during Operation Jackal III highlights the growing necessity for advanced technological capabilities in the fight against organized cybercrime.
