Europol‑Backed Operation Leads to 34 Arrests in Black Axe Crime Network Bust
The Spanish National Police, the Bavarian State Criminal Police Office, and Europol have conducted a significant operation targeting the Black Axe criminal organization. This coordinated law enforcement effort led to the arrest of 34 individuals across…
The Spanish National Police, the Bavarian State Criminal Police Office, and Europol have conducted a significant operation targeting the Black Axe criminal organization. This coordinated law enforcement effort led to the arrest of 34 individuals across Spain, significantly disrupting the group's operations.
Arrests were made in several Spanish cities, including Seville (28), Madrid (3), Málaga (2), and Barcelona (1). Among those arrested, 10 Nigerian nationals are believed to be key members of the organization. The network is suspected of causing damages exceeding €5.93 million through various fraudulent activities.
During the operation, authorities froze €119,352 in bank accounts and seized €66,403 in cash, significantly impacting the group’s financial operations.
The Black Axe group, affiliated with the Neo-Black Movement of Africa, operates as a structured hierarchical organization with origins in Nigeria. It maintains a presence in numerous countries worldwide, dividing its operations into approximately 60 zones in Nigeria and 35 zones internationally. Each zone comprises around 200 members, with an estimated global membership of 30,000.
The Spanish National Police, the Bavarian State Criminal Police Office, and Europol have conducted a significant operation targeting the Black Axe criminal organization.
The organization is involved in various illegal activities, including cyber-enabled fraud, drug trafficking, human trafficking, prostitution, kidnapping, armed robbery, and fraudulent spiritual practices. The group's annual criminal proceeds are estimated to be in the billions of euros, generated through numerous small-scale operations.
The operation primarily targeted the core group responsible for recruiting money mules from economically disadvantaged areas with high unemployment rates. These individuals, primarily Spanish nationals, were exploited to facilitate the network’s criminal activities. This successful operation underscores the importance of international collaboration in combating transnational organized crime.
Europol provided essential support through information analysis, intelligence sharing, and on-site assistance during the operation. Additionally, two German officers were deployed to Spain, highlighting the international commitment to dismantling such criminal networks.
Based on reporting by Cyber Security News.
