300 arrested on worldwide crackdown on Nigerian crime syndicate

In a massive crackdown, police units worldwide have joined forces to dismantle Black Axe, a notorious Nigerian crime syndicate.

Operation Jackal III, coordinated by Interpol, resulted in 300 arrests and the seizure of $3 million in assets across 21 countries.

Black Axe, known for its sophistication and technological prowess, is linked to cyber-enabled financial fraud, human trafficking, and other serious crimes. "They are very organized and structured," says Interpol's Tomonobu Kaya.

Despite the success of Operation Jackal III, experts warn that addressing the root causes of these crime syndicates in West Africa is crucial. "The emphasis must be on prevention, not just operations against these groups," says Dr. Oluwole Ojewale.

Interpol is working to build a vast intelligence database and share it with member countries to combat Black Axe's global reach.

However, corruption and alleged collusion with local authorities remain significant obstacles.

The operation's origins trace back to Ireland, where police raids exposed a wider network. Irish police estimate €200 million has been stolen online in the past five years, with only 20% of cyber-crimes reported.

Interpol has launched new technology, I-GRIP, to rapidly freeze bank accounts worldwide, making it harder for criminals to move money across borders.

A global effort is underway to gather and share intelligence on Black Axe and other West African syndicates.

Source: Lead News Online