Fifty-eight individuals linked to organized West African cyber-crime groups have been apprehended across 22 countries and six continents following a coordinated operation initiated by Interpol, dubbed “Operation Jackal IV.” This multinational effort, launched between November 2025 and June 2026, represents a significant escalation in the global fight against these criminal networks, particularly the feared Nigerian Black Axe group, believed to be a substantial contributor to the “significant share” of cyber-enabled financial fraud globally. Interpol stated the operation was a direct response to the escalating threat posed by these criminal networks, including the Black Axe group’s activities, which are characterized by sophisticated scams targeting vulnerable populations. The operation also encompassed a broader analysis of emerging trends, notably the utilization of sextortion to target minors, with victims potentially as young as 14.
The investigation focused on how these groups laundered money and conducted financial fraud, encompassing cryptocurrency and email compromise fraud. Interpol detailed that the operation’s objective was to disrupt the flow of illicit funds and to make it increasingly difficult for criminal networks to profit from their illicit activities. Tomonobu Kaya, Director of Interpol’s Financial Crime Centre, described the operation as a demonstration of international cooperation, highlighting the collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies across borders.
The operation involved meticulous cross-border coordination and intelligence sharing among participating countries. Interpol provided crucial support and specialized training for money-laundering investigations, assisting local authorities in bolstering their capabilities. During the operation, Interpol facilitated investigations in Argentina, Italy, Romania, and South Africa, resulting in arrests of seven sites linked to a syndicate involved in romance and investment scams, primarily targeting retirees in English-speaking countries. Furthermore, the policing agency conducted raids in Johannesburg, South Africa, seizing $2.67 million worth of assets and blocking 257 bank accounts, demonstrating the breadth of the operation’s scope.
Interpol revealed that while many aspects of Jackal IV remain under investigation, preliminary outcomes included arrests in Argentina, Italy, Romania, and South Africa. The Black Axe group, a shadowy criminal network with a history of trafficking, prostitution, and violent crime throughout Africa and beyond, is primarily based in Nigeria, with members often recruited during their schooling. The operation underscores the significant impact of Interpol’s collaborative efforts in disrupting these criminal networks. As of 2024, the Jackal III operation resulted in the arrests of 300 individuals linked to Black Axe and other affiliated groups, highlighting the ongoing efforts to combat transnational criminal activity. Interpol also noted that Operation Jackal IV is one of multiple ‘Jackal’ police operations, initiated since 2022, focused on targeting various criminal groups, including those associated with the Black Axe network. In 2024, Jackal III led to the arrests of 300 people linked to the Black Axe and other affiliated groups, further demonstrating the agency’s commitment to tackling organized crime.
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Source: BBC Africa
