In a recent global operation targeting West African organized crime groups, police arrested 300 individuals, seized $3 million, and blocked 720 bank accounts, according to Interpol. The operation, known as Jackal III, took place from April 10 to July 3 across 21 countries on five continents.
Interpol's aim with Operation Jackal III was to combat online financial fraud perpetrated by West African syndicates. The agency highlighted the alarming rise in financial fraud originating from West Africa, emphasizing the need for international law enforcement collaboration to tackle these extensive criminal networks.
One of the primary targets of the operation was Black Axe, a prominent criminal network in West Africa involved in cyber fraud, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and violent crimes both locally and globally. Black Axe utilized money mules to open bank accounts worldwide and is currently under investigation in over 40 countries for money laundering activities.
In Argentina, authorities cracked down on Black Axe following a five-year investigation, seizing $1.2 million in high-quality counterfeit banknotes, arresting 72 suspects, and freezing approximately 100 bank accounts.
Interpol, with 196 member countries and a century-long history, plays a crucial role in facilitating communication among national police forces to track suspects and criminals involved in various crimes such as counterterrorism, financial crime, child pornography, cybercrime, and organized crime.
Despite facing new challenges like the surge in cybercrime and child sex abuse cases, Interpol operates with a budget of about 176 million euros, significantly less than other law enforcement agencies such as Europol and the FBI.
