Interpol’s Operation Jackal III Nets 300 Arrests in Global Crackdown on West African Crime Groups

Interpol announced the success of Operation Jackal III, a global crackdown targeting West African organized crime groups.

The operation, which ran from April 10 to July 3, resulted in the arrest of 300 individuals across 21 countries spanning five continents. It also saw the seizure of US$3 million in illicit funds and the blocking of 720 bank accounts linked to criminal activities.

Operation Jackal III, focused on combating online financial fraud perpetrated by West African syndicates, aimed to dismantle extensive criminal networks engaged in various illicit activities. Isaac Oginni, director of Interpol’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre, emphasized the alarming rise in financial fraud originating from West Africa and stressed the necessity of international collaboration among law enforcement agencies to address these threats effectively.

Among the targeted groups was Black Axe, a notorious criminal network involved in cyber fraud, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and violent crimes globally. Black Axe utilized money mules to establish bank accounts worldwide, prompting investigations into money laundering activities across more than 40 countries. The operation yielded arrests in Argentina, Colombia, Nigeria, and Venezuela.

In Argentina, following a comprehensive five-year investigation, authorities dismantled Black Axe operations, seized $1.2 million in high-quality counterfeit banknotes, apprehended 72 suspects, and froze around 100 bank accounts associated with the criminal network.

Interpol, marking its centennial last year with 196 member countries, facilitates international cooperation among national police forces to track and apprehend suspects involved in various crimes, including terrorism, financial crimes, cybercrime, child pornography, and organized crime. Despite facing challenges such as escalating cybercrime and discord among member countries, Interpol operates with a budget of approximately 176 million euros, striving to maintain global security and combat transnational crime on a broad scale.

#INTERPOL operation strikes major blow against West African organized crime network.

Police seized millions in illegal assets, including cryptocurrencies and luxury items, across 21 countries on five continents in Operation Jackal III. pic.twitter.com/wG8ok3TvoX

— INTERPOL #ForASaferWorld (@INTERPOL_HQ) July 16, 2024