Interpol Cracks Down on Nigeria’s Black Axe Mafia: A Global Challenge
Interpol’s Operation Jackal III targeted the Black Axe mafia across 21 countries, resulting in 300 arrests and substantial asset seizures. Despite these successes, experts warn of the group’s enduring threat due to its sophisticated operations and roots in socioeconomic issues in Nigeria.
Interpol, the international police organization, recently launched Operation Jackal III, a coordinated effort to dismantle the notorious Black Axe mafia, a significant criminal network originating from Nigeria. Between April and July 2024, police units across 21 nations executed a series of covert raids, culminating in the arrest of approximately 300 individuals connected to Black Axe and other related groups. Despite this operation being hailed as a substantial setback for the organization, Interpol has cautioned that Black Axe’s sophisticated structure and international operations still pose a severe global threat. One example of Black Axe’s impact emerged in a 2017 money-laundering operation in Canada, yielding over $5 billion tied to the group. Tomonobu Kaya, a senior official with Interpol’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre, asserted, “They are very organised and very structured.” Furthermore, a report from 2022 indicated that Black Axe is responsible for a significant portion of the world’s cyber-enabled financial crimes, leveraging advancements in payment technologies and cryptocurrency to facilitate illegal activities. Operation Jackal III resulted in the confiscation of $3 million in illicit assets, alongside the freezing of over 700 bank accounts. The organization, known for its recruitment of university-educated individuals, has engaged in various criminal enterprises, including cyber-crime, which has become its primary income source. Numerous past operations, dubbed “Jackal,” have effectively led to the arrest of several Black Axe affiliates and the accumulation of a substantial intelligence database for future policing efforts. Despite these successes, experts are voicing concerns regarding the need for addressing the root causes of these crime syndicates in West Africa. Dr. Oluwole Ojewale from the Institute for Security Studies emphasized that preventive measures are critical, noting the pervasive issues of poverty and corruption in Nigeria, which significantly contribute to the recruitment of individuals into Black Axe. With 87 million Nigerians living in poverty, there is a pressing need for structural change to combat such organizations. Operations initiated in Ireland initially uncovered the extent of Black Axe’s network, where police have arrested numerous individuals connected to extensive money laundering activities that reportedly totaled €200 million over five years. Recent findings have highlighted the group’s use of cryptocurrency, an aspect that law enforcement is keen to monitor more closely, as evidenced by the seizure of over €1 million in crypto-assets in recent operations. In an effort to counter these evolving tactics, Interpol has implemented new technologies, including the Global Rapid Intervention of Payments system (I-GRIP), which has demonstrated its efficacy by halting a $40 million scam targeting a Singaporean enterprise. Mr. Kaya remarked on the importance of data collection in enabling proactive measures against these transnational crime syndicates, reiterating, “If we can gather this data we can take action.” As Interpol continues its intensive collaboration with local authorities and stakeholders, the fight against Black Axe and similar criminal organizations remains ongoing, emphasizing the urgency for both international cooperation and local governmental reform.
Black Axe is a criminal organization hailing from Nigeria, infamous for its involvement in various unlawful activities including cyber-crimes, human trafficking, and money laundering. The group has adapted to modern technology, becoming significant players in the world of cyber-enabled financial fraud. With the increasing complexities of digital currencies and payment systems, law enforcement agencies face constant challenges in their pursuit of dismantling such sophisticated crime syndicates. Black Axe’s operations extend beyond Nigeria, affecting countries globally, necessitating international cooperation for effective policing and prevention measures.
The recent Operation Jackal III represents a coordinated international effort to combat the Black Axe mafia. Despite the significant arrests and asset seizures, experts highlight the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses the socio-economic factors contributing to the growth of such crime syndicates. Continued technological advancements in law enforcement are crucial in countering the elusive tactics of organizations like Black Axe.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
