Interpol’s global law enforcement campaign [7], Operation Jackal III [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11], targeted West African organized crime groups [3] [4] [5] [6] [8] [10] [11], including the Black Axe gang [9], involved in cyber fraud [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [10], human trafficking [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [10] [11], drug smuggling [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [10] [11], and violent crimes globally [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [8] [10].
Description
The operation resulted in the arrest of approximately 300 individuals and the identification of 400 additional suspects across 21 countries on five continents. Assets totaling up to $3 million [7], including cryptocurrencies [5], were seized, and 720 bank accounts were blocked [4] [6] [8] [10]. In Argentina [1] [3] [4] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11], the operation dismantled a Nigerian-led transnational criminal network [1] [9], leading to the seizure of $1.2 million in counterfeit banknotes [3] [6] [8] [10], the arrest of 72 suspects [3] [6] [10], and the freezing of approximately 100 bank accounts [6] [8] [9] [10]. The network utilized money mules to open bank accounts worldwide and is now under investigation in over 40 countries for money laundering activities [3] [4] [6] [8] [9] [10]. Interpol emphasized the importance of international collaboration to combat these criminal networks and reduce their capacity to harm communities worldwide [1]. Ireland’s law enforcement participated in the operation [5], resulting in 63 arrests and the blocking of 17 bank accounts under fake names [5]. Interpol’s director of Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre highlighted the need for international cooperation to combat the increasing financial fraud from West Africa and weaken the influence of organized crime syndicates. In Switzerland [3], police cracked down on West African crime syndicates [3], seizing cocaine [3], cash [3], and arresting multiple suspects [3]. Portuguese police dismantled a Nigerian network involved in money mule recruitment and money laundering operations across Europe [3]. The operation mobilized police forces [3], financial intelligence units [3], asset recovery offices [3], and private sector partners across 21 countries on five continents [3].
Conclusion
The successful outcomes of Operation Jackal III demonstrate the effectiveness of international collaboration in combating organized crime and financial fraud. By dismantling criminal networks and seizing assets, law enforcement agencies are working together to reduce the impact of these criminal activities on communities worldwide. Moving forward, continued cooperation and coordination among countries will be essential in addressing the evolving tactics of organized crime syndicates and protecting global financial systems from exploitation.
References
[1] https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/global-police-black-axe-cybercrime/
[2] https://cyberscoop.com/300-arrests-made-in-crackdown-of-west-african-cyber-fraud-group/
[3] https://allafrica.com/stories/202407160560.html
[4] https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/interpol-arrests-300-people-global-crackdown-west-african-112020765
[5] https://www.jurist.org/news/2024/07/interpol-arrests-300-people-in-west-africa-organised-crime-groups/
[6] https://apnews.com/article/interpol-financial-crime-west-africa-nigeria-dce992bc9edba0130f4766ab7d76261e
[7] https://www.darkreading.com/cybersecurity-operations/west-african-crime-syndicate-taken-down-by-interpol-operation
[8] https://www.firstpost.com/world/interpol-arrests-300-gangsters-across-continents-in-crackdown-against-organised-crime-in-west-africa-13794047.html
[9] https://thecyberwire.com/newsletters/daily-briefing/13/135
[10] https://www.voanews.com/a/interpol-arrests-300-in-global-crackdown-on-west-african-crime-groups-across-5-continents-/7701719.html
[11] https://www.africanexponent.com/300-west-africans-arrested-as-interpol-widens-its-net-in-major-crime-crackdown-operation/
