Crackdown on ‘Black Axe’ Nets 34

In a significant operation against the international criminal organization known as ‘Black Axe,’ the Spanish National Police, in collaboration with the Bavarian State Criminal Police Office and Europol, have arrested 34 individuals across Spain. This major bust has also led to substantial disruptions in the criminal activities of the group, which is notorious for its involvement in a variety of offenses, including cyber-enabled fraud, drug trafficking, and human trafficking.

The operation highlighted the extensive reach of Black Axe, originally established in Nigeria, which now operates in dozens of countries worldwide. The core of the arrested suspects comprises 10 Nigerian nationals. According to the authorities, the criminal network has been responsible for fraudulent activities causing financial damages totaling over EUR 5.93 million. During the operation, Spanish police also seized EUR 66,403 in cash and froze bank accounts worth EUR 119,352.

This international sting was underpinned by robust cross-border cooperation, including intelligence sharing and operational support between Germany and Spain. Europol played a crucial role by providing analytical support, organizing a data sprint in Madrid, and deploying German officers to assist during the operation in Spain. The focus was on dismantling the core group within the Black Axe, which often recruits money mules from economically challenged areas to carry out its criminal activities.

Black Axe is known for its rigid hierarchical structure and is linked to the Neo-Black Movement of Africa. It operates in about 60 zones in Nigeria and 35 abroad, with each zone comprising approximately 200 members. The organization enforces strict codes of conduct and is involved in violent and ritualistic practices. The ongoing efforts to curb their operations involve intricate strategies aimed at disrupting their activities, seizing assets, and mitigating their impact on local communities.