INTERPOL operation nets 58 arrests in 22 countries targeting West African crime
INTERPOL’s Operation Jackal IV, an eight-month effort from November 2025 to June 2026, led to the arrest of 58 people and identification of 263 suspects across 22 countries targeting West African organised crime networks such as Black Axe. The operation uncovered financial crimes including romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud, business email compromise, and a rise in sextortion cases involving minors as young as 14. In Argentina, 196 people were linked to a Crime‑as‑a‑Service network, resulting in 17 arrests. South African raids yielded 39 arrests, seized $2.67 million and froze 257 bank accounts. Italian investigators traced a money‑laundering network that processed €845,000 through 560 transactions, while Romanian authorities arrested 11, recovered about €330,000 in cash and crypto, six properties and luxury watches, estimating the scheme laundered €143 million globally. Nigeria was among the participating nations. INTERPOL’s Financial Crime and Anti‑Corruption Director Tomonobu Kaya said the operation shows the power of international cooperation in attacking organised crime’s financial lifeblood.
Why does this matter to you? These networks often target Nigerians with online scams and sextortion, putting personal finances and safety at risk. Disrupting their infrastructure reduces the threat to everyday citizens.
What should you know or do? Stay alert to unsolicited messages promising romance or investment returns, verify identities before sending money, and report suspicious activity to the EFCC or police. Strengthening personal digital security helps deny criminals the victims they need.