Interpol has apprehended over 300 individuals linked to the notorious Black Axe criminal network and its affiliates across West Africa. The operation, called “Operation Jackal III,” unfolded in 21 countries between April and July 2024, uncovering the group’s involvement in significant global financial fraud and other serious crimes.
This crackdown represents a significant blow to the Nigerian-based syndicate, revealing its extensive international reach and advanced technological capabilities, thus highlighting it as a global threat. The operation resulted in the seizure of $3 million in illegal assets and the freezing of over 700 bank accounts.
Tomonobu Kaya, a senior official at Interpol’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre, pointed out the role of financial technology and cryptocurrency in enabling such criminal activities. He stated, “These syndicates are highly organized and adept at using new technologies, making it easier to transfer illicit funds worldwide.”
The Black Axe is a covert criminal organization involved in trafficking, prostitution, and murder globally, with cybercrime as its primary source of income.
The report reveals that many members of this feared group are university graduates who were recruited while still in school.
A 2022 assessment indicated that “Black Axe and similar networks are responsible for a significant portion of global cyber-enabled financial fraud and other serious crimes.”
Since 2022, several “Jackal” operations have targeted Black Axe and other gangs, leading to numerous arrests and the seizure of electronic devices during these international raids.
In one instance, Canadian authorities uncovered a $5 billion money-laundering scheme linked to Black Axe in 2017.
Addressing such sophisticated criminal organizations requires advanced technological capabilities. To aid in this effort, a new Global Rapid Intervention of Payments system has been introduced, allowing authorities in 196 countries to swiftly freeze bank accounts worldwide.
This system was used to prevent a $40 million scam targeting a Singaporean business in July 2024.
Tomonobu Kaya emphasized the need for data collection: “To effectively combat these groups, we must gather and analyze data from different countries to understand their methods and take decisive action.”

Dr. Oluwole Ojewale, the West Africa Regional Coordinator at the Institute for Security Studies, has criticized the government for its inadequate response to criminal groups like Black Axe. He asserted that politicians often exploit members of these syndicates for personal gain, providing them with resources to commit fraud and other crimes.
Ojewale emphasized that failures in governance have led many individuals to join groups like Black Axe, accusing political figures of fueling the problem. He called for a focus on prevention rather than solely on operations against these criminal networks.
In February 2024, President Bola Tinubu pledged to strengthen support for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to enhance its capacity to combat digital crimes. He also addressed the negative stereotype of Nigeria as a leading country in cybercrime and corruption.
The Nigerian Senate had previously expressed concerns in November 2023 about the $500 million lost annually to cybercrime, warning that insufficient funding for cybersecurity could undermine the benefits of the digital economy.
The report also noted that Interpol’s Jackal Operations, which began in Ireland, led to the identification of 1,000 people linked to Black Axe and the arrest of several members in 2020, revealing a larger network.
Detective Superintendent Michael Cryan, who led the operation in Ireland, highlighted a significant increase in money laundering tied to Black Axe. He remarked, “Bank robberies are now executed with laptops and are much more sophisticated. This issue demands serious attention from decision-makers.”
Cryan estimated that €200 million ($220 million; £170 million) had been stolen online in Ireland over the past five years, representing just 20% of reported cybercrimes. Additionally, over €1 million in cryptocurrency was seized during one operation.