More than 100 arrests in West African internet scam investigation, says Interpol

A cross-border investigation into West African criminal groups scamming internet users has resulted in more than 100 arrests and the seizure of over 2 million euros, Interpol said on Tuesday.

Issued on: 08/08/2023 - 21:34

A logo at the newly completed Interpol Global Complex for Innovation building is seen during the opening ceremony in Singapore on April 13, 2015. © Roslan Rahman, AFP

Text by: NEWS WIRES

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The investigation, dubbed "Operation Jackal", was led by law enforcement agencies in May across 21 countries in six continents and targeted cybercrime groups such as Nigerian criminal gang "Black Axe," the international policing organisation said in a statement.

"No matter where they hide in cyberspace, INTERPOL will pursue them relentlessly," Isaac Kehinde Oginni, director of Interpol's Financial Crime and Anti-corruption Centre (IFCACC), said of the criminal groups.

Between 15 and 29 May, 2.15 million euros were frozen or seized, 103 people were arrested, 1,110 suspects were identified and 208 bank accounts were blocked.

A similar operation took place in 2022 and resulted in the interception of 1.2 million euros and 75 arrests.

(Reuters)