West African Crime Syndicate Taken Down by Interpol Operation

West African Crime Syndicate Taken Down by Interpol Operation

July 17, 2024 at 02:35PM

Operation Jackal III, a global law enforcement campaign targeting West African crime groups for online financial fraud, led to 300 arrests, identified 400 suspects, and blocked access to 700 bank accounts. Assets totaling $3 million were seized, weakening the influence of syndicates like Black Axe involved in cyberfraud, human trafficking, and drug smuggling worldwide.

Key Takeaways from the Meeting Notes:

1. Operation Jackal III was a global law enforcement campaign targeting West African crime groups, focusing on online financial fraud and syndicates running it.

2. The operation ran from April 10 to July 3 in five continents and 21 countries, resulting in the seizure of assets worth up to $3 million and approximately 300 arrests. Additionally, 400 suspects were identified, and access to more than 700 bank accounts was blocked.

3. Isaac Oginni, director of Interpol’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre (IFCACC), emphasized the impact of the operation in weakening the influence and capacity of West African organized crime leaders.

4. Black Axe, one of the prominent West African crime syndicates, was targeted during the operation. The group is involved in cyberfraud, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and violent crimes worldwide.

5. The suspects of the group are citizens from Colombia, Nigeria, Venezuela, and Argentina, where a five-year investigation resulted in the seizure of $1.2 million and the arrest of 72 suspects.

6. Operation Jackal in 2023 targeted the same West African syndicates, leading to the arrest of 103 individuals and the seizure of more than $2.2 million.

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