Global Law Enforcement Targets Black Axe: Operation Jackal III…

Operation Jackal III, led by Interpol, resulted in the arrest of 300 individuals linked to the Nigerian Black Axe mafia across 21 countries. Despite the significant successes of this operation, Black Axe remains a global threat due to its extensive network and technological sophistication, coupled with systemic issues in Nigeria contributing to crime syndicate recruitment.

In an unprecedented global law enforcement effort, Operation Jackal III achieved significant success against the Black Axe mafia, one of the most notorious criminal organizations originating in Nigeria. Between April and July 2024, law enforcement agencies from 21 countries conducted strategic raids under the coordination of Interpol, resulting in the arrest of 300 individuals connected to Black Axe and its affiliates. Interpol lauded this operation as a substantial setback for the criminal network, yet it cautioned that Black Axe’s extensive international connections and advanced technological capabilities continue to pose a formidable threat globally. The operation, years in the planning, led to the confiscation of $3 million in illicit assets and the freezing of over 700 bank accounts. Notably, a money-laundering scheme associated with Black Axe was uncovered in Canada, involving illicit transactions exceeding $5 billion in 2017. Tomonobu Kaya, a senior official at Interpol’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre, underscored the group’s organization, stating, “They are very organized and very structured.” According to a 2022 Interpol report, Black Axe is predominantly responsible for extensive cyber-enabled financial fraud worldwide, capitalizing on advancements in money-transfer technologies and cryptocurrencies to conduct multimillion-dollar scams. Many affiliated with Black Axe possess higher education qualifications, having been recruited during their university years. Their criminal portfolio extends beyond cyber-crime, encompassing operations in trafficking and violence. Following years of similar “Jackal” operations, numerous members of Black Axe have faced arrest and their electronic devices seized, contributing to the development of a comprehensive intelligence database shared among Interpol’s 196 member countries. However, some experts, such as Dr. Oluwole Ojewale of the Institute for Security Studies, emphasize the need for preventative measures, pointing out that ineffective governance and systemic corruption in Nigeria contribute significantly to the recruitment and persistence of such criminal syndicates. Despite the ongoing international efforts, challenges persist regarding collaboration with local authorities in Nigeria, where allegations of complicity with Black Axe have surfaced. The origins of Operation Jackal trace back to Ireland, where police operations led to the discovery of a vast network and substantial financial crimes involving the organization. In recent months, Irish authorities have emphasized that cyber-crime committed by Black Axe is notably sophisticated, with significant monetary losses reported. To counteract these evolving criminal methods, Interpol has introduced innovative technologies, such as the Global Rapid Intervention of Payments system (I-GRIP), which facilitates the rapid freezing of illicit bank accounts globally. As law enforcement worldwide advances in addressing Black Axe’s prevalence, Mr. Kaya proposed that efficient data collection and intelligence sharing are critical in taking actionable measures against such criminal networks.

The Black Axe mafia represents one of West Africa’s most influential and feared crime organizations, notorious for its involvement in a wide array of illegal activities ranging from cyber-crime to human trafficking. This organization is particularly skilled at utilizing new technologies, including cryptocurrencies, to facilitate global financial crimes. Law enforcement agencies worldwide have become increasingly concerned about the group’s expansive operations, which have necessitated collaborative international efforts to mitigate its impact. Continuous recruitment and involvement in local corruption complicate the enforcement landscape, driving the need for both tactical law enforcement responses and systemic reforms in affected regions.

Operation Jackal III significantly disrupted the activities of the Black Axe mafia, a prominent player in international organized crime. While the operation led to numerous arrests and asset seizures, the persistent root challenges posed by local corruption and socio-economic issues in Nigeria necessitate a multifaceted approach combining direct enforcement with preventative and developmental strategies. The ongoing collaboration among global law enforcement agencies is vital in tackling the sophisticated technological methods employed by criminal organizations like Black Axe.

Original Source: www.bbc.com