Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, Senegal) — In an extensive international operation aimed at dismantling West African organized crime syndicates, police forces across five continents have arrested 300 individuals, seized $3 million, and blocked 720 bank accounts, Interpol announced on Tuesday.

The initiative, named Operation Jackal III, spanned from April 10 to July 3 and involved law enforcement agencies from 21 countries. It targeted online financial fraud orchestrated by West African criminal networks.

“The volume of financial fraud stemming from West Africa is alarming and increasing,” stated Isaac Oginni, director of Interpol’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre. “This operation’s results underscore the critical need for international law enforcement collaboration to combat these extensive criminal networks.”

A major focus of the operation was the notorious Black Axe syndicate, known for its involvement in cyber fraud, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and violent crimes both within Africa and globally. Black Axe utilizes money mules to establish bank accounts worldwide and is now under investigation in over 40 countries for money laundering activities. The suspects include citizens from Argentina, Colombia, Nigeria, and Venezuela.

In Argentina, authorities conducted a significant crackdown on Black Axe following a five-year investigation. They seized $1.2 million in high-quality counterfeit banknotes, arrested 72 suspects, and froze approximately 100 bank accounts.

Interpol, which celebrated its centennial last year, is the world’s largest police organization with 196 member countries. It assists national police forces in communication and coordination, tracking suspects and criminals across various fields such as counterterrorism, financial crime, child pornography, cybercrime, and organized crime.

Despite being the largest international police organization, Interpol faces challenges including a growing caseload of cybercrime and child sex abuse, and increasing divisions among its member countries. However, operations like Jackal III highlight the importance and effectiveness of international cooperation in tackling global crime networks.