Mass arrests in global crackdown on West African cyber‑crime

Sun Sep 06 2026 04:01:06 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Interpol's Operation Jackal IV nets 58 arrests across 22 countries, targeting romance and investment scams run by West African groups.

Interpol launched Operation Jackal IV, a multinational effort that led to 58 arrests linked to West African cyber‑crime networks across 22 countries and six continents. 263 suspects were identified, and investigations exposed money‑laundering schemes and sextortion targeting minors. South Africa alone saw 39 arrests, $2.67m seized and 257 bank accounts blocked. The operation, part of a series of “Jackal” actions, underscores the growing international cooperation against cyber‑fraud and other violent crimes associated with groups like Black Axe.

Mass arrests in global crackdown on West African cyber‑crime

By Hafsa Khalil

10 minutes ago

Fifty‑eight people linked to organised West African cyber‑crime groups have been arrested in an operation across 22 countries and six continents.

Dubbed “Operation Jackal IV”, the multinational effort was coordinated by Interpol and focused on romance and investment scams operated by the “Black Axe” network and affiliates. The operation identified 263 suspects, revealing how these groups launder money and commit cryptocurrency and email‑compromise fraud.

Key Findings

Majority of scams targeted retirees in English‑speaking countries.
Traces of sextortion emerged, with victims as young as 14.
Investigation uncovered links between romance fraud, investment scams and violent crimes.

South African Impact

In Johannesburg, Interpol assisted local police in raiding seven sites linked to a syndicate behind romance and investment scams. South African authorities made 39 arrests, seized $2.67 million (≈£1.96 million) and blocked 257 bank accounts.

The operations also highlighted the strong presence of black‑axe affiliates in Argentina, Italy, Romania and other countries, strengthening the global fight against cyber‑crime.

Continuing Efforts

Interpol’s “Jackal” series began in 2022, with Jackal III in 2024 leading to 300 arrests linked to Black Axe. Operation Jackal IV, running from November 2025 to June 2026, continues the focus on anti‑money‑laundering training and cross‑border cooperation.

Interpol’s director of the financial crime centre, Tomonobu Kaya, 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.”