Interpol Arrests 300 Linked to West African Crime Groups

Interpol has launched Operation Jackal III, targeting West African organized crime groups across five continents, resulting in 300 arrests, $3 million seizure, and bank account blockage.

The operation, which spanned from April to July, aimed to combat online financial fraud and the West African syndicates behind it. Black Axe, a prominent criminal network in West Africa, was targeted, operating in cyber fraud, human trafficking, and drug smuggling.

The group is under investigation in over 40 countries for related money laundering activities. In Argentina, police seized $1.2 million in counterfeit banknotes, arrested 72 suspects, and blocked around 100 bank accounts.

Interpol, the world’s largest and best-funded police organization, faces new challenges such as a growing caseload of cybercrime and child sex abuse, and increasing divisions among its member countries.