Spanish Police Strike Blow Against Nigerian “Black Axe” Gang
The Spanish National Police have conducted and international operation with the EU´s Europolforce against the ‘Black Axe’ criminal organisation.
The action resulted in the arrests of 34 people including in Madrid and other Spanish cities.
Black Axe is a highly structured, hierarchical group with its origins in Nigeria and a global presence in dozens of countries. The core group of arrested suspects consists of 10 individuals of Nigerian nationality.
The core group of arrested suspects consists of 10 individuals of Nigerian nationality, a statement from Europol said.
According to Europol, the Black Axe criminal network is known for its involvement in a wide range of criminal activities, including cyber-enabled fraud, drug trafficking, human trafficking and 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 many small-scale operations that collectively have a significant impact.
A total of 34 people were arrested in Spain, with 28 arrests carried out in Seville, as well as three in Madrid, two in Malaga and one in Barcelona.
Investigators believe that the criminal network is responsible for fraud resulting in damages exceeding €5.93 million. Over the course of the operation, authorities have frozen €119,352 in bank accounts and seized €66,403 in cash during house searches.
