INTERPOL arrests 300, seizes $3M in West African cybercrime crackdown

INTERPOL’s Operation Jackal III and a five-year investigation in Argentina led to the arrests of 372 individuals, the seizure of $4.2 million, and the blocking of 820 bank accounts, highlighting the critical importance of international cooperation against West African financial fraud networks.
Computer, Computer Hardware, Computer Keyboard, Electronics, Hardware, Pc, Person, Cross, Symbol

INTERPOL has announced the conclusion of a three-month global operation targeting organised crime groups from West Africa, resulting in 300 arrests and the seizure of $3 million in assets. Named Operation Jackal III, the initiative involved law enforcement agencies from 21 countries. This follows two prior annual operations aimed at West African groups engaged in online financial fraud, including the notorious Nigeria-based Black Axe gang. As part of the operation, authorities blocked 720 bank accounts. The operation spanned from 10 April to early July.

In Argentina, a five-year investigation led to the dismantling of a criminal network operated by Nigerian individuals, which inflicted significant financial losses on over 160 victims. Police arrested 72 suspects, froze approximately 100 bank accounts, and seized $1.2 million in counterfeit currency. The suspects include citizens from Argentina, Colombia, Nigeria and Venezuela. INTERPOL reported that the network used money mules to open bank accounts worldwide, and the investigation now extends to over 40 countries.

Isaac Oginni, director of INTERPOL’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre, stated, ‘The volume of financial fraud originating from West Africa is both alarming and increasing.’ He emphasised that ‘the results of this operation highlight the critical importance of international law enforcement cooperation in combating these extensive criminal networks.’