- Spanish police arrest 34 suspected Black Axe members in raids across Seville, Madrid, Malaga, and Barcelona
- Black Axe, linked to the Neo-Black Movement of Africa, has approximately 30,000 members worldwide
- Group engages in cyber-fraud, trafficking, armed robbery, and recruits money mules in impoverished areas
Spanish authorities have apprehended 34 individuals believed to be part of Black Axe, a criminal organization involved in cyber fraud and various other illicit activities.
A Europol press release revealed that the Spanish National Police, in collaboration with the Bavarian State Criminal Police Office, conducted operations in Seville, Madrid, Malaga, and Barcelona, leading to the arrests of numerous Black Axe members. Authorities seized nearly $140,000 from bank accounts and $77,000 in cash during the raids.
Black Axe is a large, well-organized group based in Nigeria, with members spread across multiple countries and operations that extend globally.
Recruiting Money Mules
The group has reportedly scammed billions of euros, as Europol noted, engaging in a wide range of criminal activities including cyber-enabled fraud, drug trafficking, human trafficking, prostitution, kidnapping, armed robbery, and fraudulent spiritual practices. While many of their operations are small-scale, they accumulate significant sums over time.
The arrested individuals were allegedly involved in recruiting money mules in Spain, primarily from impoverished communities. Although the arrests were mainly executed by Spanish law enforcement, German authorities provided analytical support and intelligence, deploying two officers during the operation.
Europol indicates that Black Axe is formally associated with the Neo-Black Movement of Africa and operates as a “highly structured, hierarchical group with a global presence.”
“It divides its territory into approximately 60 zones in Nigeria and 35 internationally, with around 200 members per zone. The organization boasts roughly 30,000 registered members, along with numerous affiliates such as money mules and facilitators,” the report stated.
“The group enforces strict codes of conduct, employs violent and ritualistic initiations, and engages in spiritual practices.”
At this time, specific details regarding the cyber campaigns conducted by Black Axe remain undisclosed.
