European law enforcement has dealt a major blow to the Black Axe cybercrime syndicate, arresting 34 suspects across Spain in a coordinated operation. Spanish National Police, working with German authorities and Europol support, detained 28 people in Seville and others in Madrid, Málaga, and Barcelona.
The West African-originated gang generates billions annually through business email scams, romance fraud, and phishing attacks. This Spanish cell alone caused nearly €6 million in damages. Authorities froze €119,352 in bank accounts and seized €66,403 in cash during raids.
Ten Nigerian nationals were among those arrested. The operation specifically targeted Black Axe's recruitment of money mules in high-unemployment areas for laundering schemes.
Source: Infosecurity Magazine