In a significant victory against transnational organized crime, Europol has announced the arrest of 34 alleged members of the notorious ‘Black Axe’ syndicate in Spain. This extensive operation, spearheaded by the Spanish National Police in close collaboration with the Bavarian State Criminal Police Office and Europol, targeted a criminal network responsible for a staggering €5.93 million in fraud and a wide array of illicit activities.
A Coordinated Crackdown Across Spain
The coordinated law enforcement effort saw 28 arrests made in Seville, with additional detentions in key Spanish cities: three in Madrid, two in Málaga, and one in Barcelona. This multi-city sweep underscores the widespread reach of the Black Axe network within Europe.
Unmasking a Multifaceted Criminal Enterprise
Europol’s statement painted a grim picture of Black Axe’s operations, detailing its involvement in a diverse portfolio of criminal endeavors. Beyond sophisticated cyber-enabled fraud, the syndicate is implicated in drug trafficking, human trafficking and prostitution, kidnapping, armed robbery, and even fraudulent spiritual practices. The estimated damages from their fraudulent schemes alone exceed €5.93 million (approximately $6.9 million), highlighting the severe financial impact on victims globally.
Authorities also made substantial financial seizures during the operation. Bank accounts totaling €119,352 (around $138,935) were frozen, and €66,403 (approximately $77,290) in cash was confiscated during house searches, disrupting the financial backbone of the organization.
Black Axe: A Global Threat with Deep Roots
Originating in Nigeria in 1977, Black Axe has evolved into a highly hierarchical criminal group with an estimated 30,000 registered members and numerous affiliates, including money mules and facilitators, operating across dozens of countries worldwide. Its transformation into a “violent mafia-style gang” has made it a formidable challenge for international law enforcement.
Previous Victories Against the Syndicate
This latest operation builds on prior successes against Black Axe. In late 2022, INTERPOL’s “Operation Jackal” led to the arrest of 75 individuals linked to the syndicate, who had defrauded victims of millions. The report specifically cited Black Axe’s extensive use of cyber-enabled activities, including business email compromise (BEC) schemes, romance scams, inheritance scams, credit card fraud, tax fraud, advance payment scams, and sophisticated money laundering operations to facilitate their financial crimes.
More recently, in July 2024, INTERPOL announced the confiscation of over $5 million in assets, cryptocurrencies, and luxury items through two subsequent operations. These efforts also resulted in more than 400 arrests and the identification of thousands of additional suspects, demonstrating the persistent global effort to dismantle the organization.
“Black Axe is one of the most prominent West African transnational organized crime syndicates, with operations in cyber fraud, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and violent crimes both within Africa and globally,” INTERPOL noted, underscoring the critical importance of these ongoing law enforcement initiatives.
The Ongoing Battle Against Transnational Crime
The arrests in Spain represent a significant step in the continuous international fight against Black Axe and similar transnational criminal organizations. By disrupting their operations and seizing their illicit gains, law enforcement agencies aim to protect communities and individuals from the far-reaching consequences of their criminal enterprises.
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