Interpol announced on Tuesday the successful completion of Operation Jackal III, a major international operation to combat online financial fraud orchestrated by West African criminal gangs.
The operation, which took place from April 10 to July 3, involved law enforcement agencies from 21 countries across five continents and led to 300 arrests and the seizure of $3 million in illicit funds. news release As a result of the operation, 720 bank accounts used for the syndicate's activities were also frozen.
Interpol said Tuesday that police have arrested 300 people, seized $3 million and frozen 720 bank accounts in a global investigation targeting West African organized crime groups across five continents. https://t.co/DogqZPHsBG
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Isaac Oginni, director of Interpol's Financial Crime and Corruption Centre, highlighted growing concern over the rising number of financial fraud cases originating from West Africa.
“The results of this operation underscore the vital importance of international law enforcement cooperation in combating these far-reaching criminal networks,” Oginni said, adding in a statement: “By identifying suspects, recovering their illicit funds, and imprisoning some of the most dangerous organized crime leaders in West Africa, we are able to weaken their influence and reduce their ability to harm communities around the world.”
Members of the Buenos Aires Provincial Police argue with members of the Federal Police (PFA) during a demonstration calling for higher wages and better working conditions (Photo: JUAN MABROMATA/AFP via Getty Images)
According to Interpol, one of the primary targets of Operation Jackal III was Black Axe, a notorious West Africa-based crime network known for engaging in cyber fraud, human trafficking, drug smuggling and violent crimes within and outside of Africa. The network's activities include using money mules to open bank accounts around the world and it is currently under investigation for suspected money laundering activities in over 40 countries. (Related story: Man arrested outside Capitol found to have fake badge and high-capacity magazine)
In Argentina, a breakthrough occurred after a five-year investigation into Black Axe, resulting in the seizure of $1.2 million worth of high-quality counterfeit bank notes, the arrest of 72 people, and the freezing of approximately 100 bank accounts, according to a press release.
