Criminal network ‘Black Axe’ captured in Spain: 32 arrested in cyberfraud, money laundering, forgery & vehicle trafficking probe

The Spanish National Police, in collaboration with Germany’s Bavarian State Criminal Police Office and supported by Europol, have dismantled a sophisticated criminal network linked to the notorious Nigerian-origin organised crime group “Black Axe”, resulting in 34 arrests across Spain.

The operation, which culminated in coordinated raids on January 9, targeted a highly structured hierarchical group primarily engaged in large-scale cyberfraud. Authorities arrested 28 individuals in Seville, three in Madrid, two in Malaga, and one in Barcelona. Among those detained are key leaders based in Seville, Malaga, and Barcelona, with provisional imprisonment ordered for four principal suspects, including several Nigerian nationals believed to be core members of Black Axe.

Black axe fraud & cyberattacks network busted

Investigators allege the network specialised in “Man in the Middle” (MITM) scams, particularly Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks. Criminals intercepted legitimate corporate email communications, altered banking details, and diverted substantial payments to accounts they controlled. The group is estimated to have defrauded victims of more than €5.93 million, with €3.21 million directly linked to the current investigation. The organisation, active for over 15 years, reportedly generated billions in annual proceeds globally through similar small-scale but high-volume operations.

In addition to cyberfraud, the network faces charges including membership in a criminal organisation, money laundering, document forgery, obstruction of justice, and illicit vehicle trafficking. To launder proceeds, members recruited vulnerable “money mules” – often Spanish nationals from high-unemployment areas – and used shell companies and straw men across Europe. They also allegedly acquired mid- to high-end vehicles under false pretences, deliberately defaulted on payments, and then resold or used the cars.

Joint operation Spanish / Bavarian police

House searches found sizeable seizures: €66,403 in cash, mobile and electronic devices used in the crimes, extensive documentation on corporate and banking structures, five recovered vehicles, and the freezing of €119,352 in bank accounts.

The probe began in September 2023 after Spanish authorities detected the group’s illicit activities. Intelligence revealed a Nigerian-led leadership directing operations across multiple European countries, employing threats and intimidation during debt collection. Europol provided crucial support, including analytical expertise, intelligence sharing, a dedicated data sprint in Madrid, and on-site assistance. Two German officers were deployed during the action day.

Black Axe cult of Nigerian origins, brought down in Spain

Black Axe, formally associated with the Neo-Black Movement of Africa, is a globally dispersed organisation with origins in Nigeria. It maintains a rigid structure divided into dozens of “zones” worldwide, strict codes of conduct, violent initiations, and ritualistic practices. The group is involved in diverse crimes, including drug and human trafficking, prostitution, kidnapping, armed robbery, and fraudulent spiritual schemes.

The investigation remains ongoing, with further arrests possible. This operation represents a significant blow to Black Axe’s European activities, highlighting the challenges of tackling transnational networks that combine serious cross-border crime with localised offences.