One of the largest police operations ever has recently resulted in the arrest of 300 individuals and the freezing of over 720 bank accounts across five continents.
Known under the codename "Operation Jackal III," this global operation began on April 10 and ended on July 3, 2024. It involved police forces from 21 countries spanning five continents in a joint effort to combat organized crime linked to online financial fraud.
Operation Focus
The operation targeted the West African criminal network Black Ax, known for its involvement in drug smuggling, cyber fraud, and human trafficking.
Although the network was founded in Nigeria, its activities have spread globally.
Countries participating in Operation Jackal III included the United States, United Kingdom, Sweden, Germany, France, Canada, Brazil, and Japan, among others.
$1.2 Million in Counterfeit Bills
In Argentina, as part of this extensive operation, police conducted a major crackdown on Black Ax after five years of investigation, arresting 72 suspects and seizing $1.2 million in counterfeit notes.
Additionally, approximately 100 bank accounts were frozen, according to TV4 Nyheterna.
A similar crackdown was carried out in Portugal, where a Nigerian money laundering operation linked to online fraud was completely dismantled.
Isaac Oginni, head of Interpol's financial crime and anti-corruption center, commented, "The amount of financial fraud originating in West Africa is alarming and increasing."
