An international operation targeting organised cybercrime groups operating out of West Africa has led to the identification of 262 suspects and the arrest of 58, according to Interpol, which coordinated the activity.
Law enforcement authorities from 22 countries, including Australia, took part in the recently concluded eight-month Operation Jackal IV, with Interpol managing cross-border coordination, intelligence sharing, analysis, and operational activities.
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Tomonobu Kaya, Director of the INTERPOL Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre, said the operation “demonstrates the power of international cooperation”.
“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.”
While Jackal IV was focused on West African groups, such as the Black Axe organisation, individuals and groups from all over the world were identified. 196 individuals in Argentina were identified as being linked to a “major Crime-as-a-Service network” that provided money laundering and web domains to criminals operating out of West Africa, while one individual in Italy was identified in relation to a pan-European money laundering network.
Authorities also dismantled a criminal group in Romania that had been running a sophisticated investment scam.
“Victims’ money was diverted to electronic wallets controlled by the perpetrators, resulting in an estimated EUR 143 million stolen and laundered globally,” Interpol said.
“Police arrested 11 individuals and seized approximately €330,000 (US$379,000) in cash and cryptocurrency, six real estate properties and several luxury watches.”
Interpol said the operation also uncovered emerging criminal trends, including a rise in sextortion targeting minors, and the use of Crime-as-a-Service providers operating via the darknet to launder money.
The participating countries were Austria, Argentina, Australia, Canada, Côte d’Ivoire, France, Germany, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Nigeria, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the United States.
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