Law enforcement agencies have dismantled multiple West African criminal networks, including the notorious Black Axe syndicate. Operation Jackal III, spanning from April 10 to July 3, has resulted in the arrest of approximately 300 individuals, the identification of over 400 additional suspects, and the blocking of more than 720 bank accounts. Assets worth $3 million have been seized as part of this extensive crackdown on online financial fraud and other illicit activities.

The operation, coordinated across 21 countries on five continents, specifically targeted West African crime groups known for their involvement in cyber fraud, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and violent crimes. The operation involved law enforcement agencies from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Cote D’Ivoire, France, Germany, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Nigeria, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

In Argentina, a Nigerian-led transnational criminal network was dismantled after a five-year investigation by the Federal Police. Authorities seized $1.2 million in high-quality counterfeit banknotes, arrested 72 suspects, and froze around 100 bank accounts. The network, which used money mules to open bank accounts globally, is now under investigation in over 40 countries for related money laundering activities. The suspects include citizens from Argentina, Colombia, Nigeria, and Venezuela.

Portuguese criminal police dismantled a Nigerian network involved in recruiting money mules and laundering funds obtained from online financial fraud victims across Europe. More than 25 syndicate members were identified, and data from seized computers and phones revealed large transfers to Nigerian bank accounts, cryptocurrency transactions, and sophisticated money laundering operations.