An Interpol operation against gangs based in West Africa specializing in internet fraud has led to the seizure of two million euros and the arrest of around 100 suspects in several countries, international police said today.

Operation “Jackal” targeted organized crime in West Africa, such as the “Black Pelekis” group.

Thanks to this mobilization, more than 1,100 suspects were identified, 103 arrests were made, 2.15 million euros were confiscated and more than 200 bank accounts were frozen.

These criminal organizations, violent mafia-style gangs, have become known for their online scams: they trick their victims through business or love letters, convince them that they have inherited large sums of money and manage to extort their personal data, with which proceed to withdraw sums of money and launder dirty money. In Portugal, the four investigations carried out allowed 1.4 million euros to be seized. 34 arrests were made in Ireland.

In total, 21 countries participated in the operation: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Ivory Coast, France, Germany, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, Netherlands, Nigeria, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, Britain and USA.

“Operation Jackal” was conducted between May 15-29. A similar operation last year led to 75 arrests and the seizure of 1.2 million euros.

“The message we are sending to West African criminal networks is strong: wherever they hide in cyberspace, Interpol will relentlessly pursue them. The illegal activities of organizations such as the Black Pelekis will always be a priority for Interpol,” said Isaac Kehide Ogini, the director of the Financial Crimes and Anti-Corruption Division (IFCACC).