Internet Fraudsters Linked To Nigerian Criminal Group Arrested By INTERPOL

An operation led by INTERPOL has led to the arrest of 75 individuals believed to be linked to a Nigerian cybercriminal group that stole millions from its victims.

The development was announced in a statement released on Friday where it was also revealed that the operation involved 14 nations across the globe.

The lavish lifestyles of many of the suspects were observed by the police who carried out 49 searches, leading to the seizure of 12,000 SIM cards during the execution of Operation Jackal, which took place from September 26 to September 30.

Luxury assets including residential property, three cars and tens of thousands in cash were also seized by officers.

Criminal cells in Nigeria and South Africa were targeted in the operation and apart from the 75 suspects apprehended, 1.2 million euros in several bank accounts were recovered by the police.

"Illicit financial funds are the lifeblood of transnational organized crime, and we have witnessed how groups like Black Axe will channel money gained from online financial scams into other crime areas, such as drugs and human trafficking,” Stephen Kavanagh, INTERPOL’s executive director of police services stated.