Black Axe is a clandestine criminal organisation implicated in extreme violence, with operations spanning Africa, Europe and North America.
A 2021 BBC Eye investigation revealed that the syndicate had emerged as one of the most extensive and dangerous organised crime networks worldwide.
Nigeria serves as its primary recruitment base, with many members drawn from university ranks and inducted during their academic years.
The group has long been a focus of law enforcement efforts internationally.
FBI operations against Black Axe, launched in November 2019 and September 2021, resulted in charges against more than 35 individuals connected to multi-million-dollar internet fraud schemes.
Since those operations, Interpol has coordinated several additional actions targeting Black Axe across multiple countries.
Most recently, Interpol disclosed that an operation conducted between November 2025 and June 2026 led to raids on seven locations in South Africa linked to a syndicate specialising in romance and investment scams.
The raids resulted in 39 arrests, the seizure of funds, and the freezing of more than 250 bank accounts.
Also Read
- Two Injured in Zagreb High School Stabbing; Suspect Detained
- Houthis seize Yemeni island in Bab el-Mandeb, taking control of the strait
- Revised UN World Map Projection Sparks Territorial Concerns in Japan, India, and Ukraine
- Why Banks Are Buying Fintechs Instead of Traditional Financial Institutions