International Operation Jackal IV Leads to Arrests in West African Cyber-Crime Networks

Interpol reported that Operation Jackal IV resulted in the arrest of 58 individuals linked to organized West African cyber-crime groups across 22 countries and six continents. This operation targeted those involved in romance and investment scams and identified 263 additional suspects. Interpol stated that the operation was a response to the increasing global threat from these criminal networks, including the Nigerian Black Axe group, which is believed to be responsible for a significant portion of cyber-enabled financial fraud. The operation, conducted between November 2025 and June 2026, also analyzed emerging trends in cyber-crime, including sextortion targeting minors, with victims as young as 14 years old. Tomonobu Kaya, director of Interpol's financial crime center, emphasized the importance of international cooperation in combating organized crime. During the operation, Interpol facilitated cross-border coordination and intelligence sharing, providing support and specialized training for money-laundering investigations. Preliminary outcomes included arrests in countries such as Argentina, Italy, Romania, and South Africa. In South Africa, authorities raided seven locations linked to a syndicate involved in romance and investment scams, resulting in 39 arrests, the seizure of $2.67 million, and the blocking of 257 bank accounts. Interpol noted that the West African networks are also involved in other serious crimes. Operation Jackal IV is part of a series of operations targeting these networks, with previous operations leading to hundreds of arrests since 2022.