Nigerians Among 34 Arrested as European Police Dismantle Black Axe Network

At least 10 Nigerians have been arrested in a coordinated security operation targeting the Black Axe criminal network across Spain, following joint action by Spanish and German law enforcement agencies with operational backing from Europol.

Authorities said the arrests were carried out simultaneously in four Spanish cities, with 28 suspects detained in Seville, three in Madrid, two in Málaga and one in Barcelona. Investigators described the operation as a focused strike on the group’s leadership and financial handlers operating within Spain.

Law enforcement officials linked the suspects to organised fraud schemes that reportedly caused financial losses exceeding €5.9 million. During searches of homes and related properties, police froze more than €119,000 held in bank accounts and recovered over €66,000 in cash.

Security agencies say the Black Axe network is part of a wider transnational criminal structure with roots in Nigeria and active cells across Europe and other regions. The group is believed to operate through a rigid hierarchy, using regional “zones” and relying heavily on intermediaries, including money mules recruited from economically vulnerable communities, to move illicit funds and shield senior figures.

Investigators noted that the organisation is involved in a wide range of crimes, including cyber fraud, drug trafficking, human trafficking, prostitution, kidnapping and armed robbery. European authorities estimate that the network generates billions of euros annually through numerous small-scale but coordinated criminal activities.

Officials confirmed that intelligence sharing and joint planning between Spanish and German police played a central role in the success of the operation, with further arrests and asset seizures expected as investigations continue across multiple jurisdictions.