Europol has confirmed the arrest of 10 Nigerians following a coordinated international operation targeting the notorious ‘Black Axe’ criminal network, with estimated fraud-related losses exceeding €5.93 million.
The arrests formed part of a wider crackdown in Spain, where law enforcement authorities detained 34 suspects linked to the organised crime syndicate. The disclosure was contained in a statement published on Europol’s website last week.
According to Europol, the operation was led by the Spanish National Police, in close collaboration with the Bavarian State Criminal Police Office in Germany, with analytical and operational support provided by Europol.
The agency said investigators focused on what they described as the core leadership of the network, as well as key facilitators responsible for managing its financial operations.
“The Spanish National Police (Policía Nacional), in close cooperation with the Bavarian State Criminal Police Office (Bayerisches Landeskriminalamt) and with the support of Europol, has conducted an operation against the international criminal organisation ‘Black Axe’,” the statement said.
“The action resulted in 34 arrests and significant disruptions to the group’s activities. 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.”
Black Axe Criminal Network
Europol described Black Axe as a highly organised and hierarchical criminal group with operations spanning dozens of countries worldwide. The network is believed to generate billions of euros annually, largely through multiple small-scale operations that cumulatively inflict substantial financial damage.
Investigators said the group was involved in a broad spectrum of criminal activities, including cyber-enabled fraud, drug trafficking, human trafficking, prostitution, kidnapping, armed robbery, and fraudulent spiritual practices.
The statement further revealed that 28 of the arrests were made in Seville, with additional suspects apprehended in Madrid, Málaga, and Barcelona. During coordinated house searches across Spain, authorities froze €119,352 in bank accounts and seized €66,403 in cash.
Europol said the operation dealt a significant blow to the network’s operational and financial infrastructure, as European authorities intensify efforts to dismantle transnational organised crime groups operating across borders.
