Argentina Busts Nigerian-led Criminal Network, Arrest 72, Seizes $1.2m

Argentina has busted a Nigerian-led criminal network in an INTERPOL operation, which struck a major blow against West African financial crime.

A report from Lyon, France also revealed that 72 persons were arrested during the raid, while the Argentine security operatives seized the sum of $1.2 million.

According to the report, by tracing illegal money trails worldwide, the Argentina Federal Police worked collaboratively to bring suspected network members to justice. It said that as part of Operation Jackal III, Argentina Federal Police searched a residence for evidence in Argentina.

Operation Jackal III thereafter saw the dismantling of a major Nigerian-led transnational criminal network following a five-year investigation.

“In Argentina, Operation Jackal III saw the dismantling of a Nigerian-led transnational criminal network following a five-year investigation,” the report read.

“The Federal Police seized USD 1.2 million in ‘supernotes’ – high-quality counterfeit banknotes – arrested 72 suspects and froze approximately 100 bank accounts.”

According to the report, the network used money mules to open bank accounts across the world and is now under investigation in over 40 countries for related money laundering activities.

The suspects reportedly include citizens from Argentina, Colombia, Nigeria, and Venezuela, while more than 160 fraud victims suffered significant financial losses, with some forced to sell their homes or take out large loans in the process.

Head of Argentina’s National Central Bureau, Diego Verdun, reacting following the successful operation, said: “Operation Jackal is a crucial step forward in combating West African online financial fraud and clearly demonstrates that cybercriminals cannot escape the watchful eye of INTERPOL’s 196 member countries, especially in Argentina. By following illegal money trails worldwide, INTERPOL and the global police community ensure that no matter where these criminals try to hide, they will be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice,” Verdun stated.

Cc: Guardian Nigeria.