An international investigation into organised cybercrime networks linked to West Africa has resulted in 58 arrests across 22 countries and 6 continents, as authorities intensify efforts against cross-border financial fraud.
Known as “Operation Jackal IV”, the operation was coordinated by Interpol and focused on groups involved in romance and investment scams. Investigators also identified 263 suspects.
Interpol said the operation addressed the growing global threat from West African criminal networks, including the Nigerian Black Axe group, which is believed to be responsible for a “significant share” of cyber-enabled financial fraud.
The operation also examined emerging methods used by these groups, including sextortion targeting minors. Some victims were as young as 14.
Conducted between November 2025 and June 2026, Operation Jackal IV investigated how criminal networks moved and laundered money. It also examined cyber-enabled financial crimes involving cryptocurrency and email compromise fraud.
Scams frequently targeted “retirees in English-speaking countries”, Interpol said.
“By following illicit financial flows across borders, we are attacking the very lifeblood of organised crime and making it increasingly difficult for criminal networks to profit from their activities,” said Tomonobu Kaya, director of Interpol’s financial crime centre.
“Operation Jackal IV demonstrates the power of international co-operation.”
Interpol supported participating countries through cross-border coordination, intelligence sharing and specialised training for money-laundering investigations.
The agency said several aspects of the operation remain under investigation. Preliminary results included arrests in Argentina, Italy, Romania and South Africa.
In South Africa, authorities raided 7 locations linked to a syndicate involved in romance and investment scams. Interpol officials supported local authorities during the Johannesburg raids.
South African police arrested 39 people, seized $2.67 million and blocked 257 bank accounts.
Interpol said the West African networks were also involved in other serious and violent crimes beyond cyber-enabled fraud.
Operation Jackal IV is part of a series of “Jackal” operations launched since 2022. In 2024, Operation Jackal III resulted in 300 arrests linked to Black Axe and affiliated groups.
Black Axe is described as a criminal network involved in trafficking, prostitution and killings across multiple countries. Nigeria remains its main recruitment ground, with many members being university educated and recruited during their schooling.
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