Europol, in cross-border collaboration with Spanish and German police, has arrested 34 members of Black Axe cult, including 10 Nigerians, for cyberfraud and other crimes in Spain.

“Twenty-eight arrests were carried out in Seville, as well as three in Madrid, two in Málaga, and one in Barcelona,” Europol said in a statement.

It added, “Black Axe is a highly structured, hierarchical group with its origins in Nigeria and a global presence in dozens of countries. The core group of arrested suspects consists of 10 individuals of Nigerian nationality.”

According to Europol, the criminal network is known for its involvement in a wide range of criminal activities, including cyber-enabled fraud, drug trafficking, human trafficking and prostitution, kidnapping, armed robbery, and fraudulent spiritual practices.

“The group’s annual criminal proceeds are estimated to be in the billions of euros, generated through many small-scale operations that collectively have a significant impact,” Europol said. “Investigators believe that the criminal network is responsible for fraud resulting in damages exceeding €5.93 million. Over the course of the operation, authorities have frozen €119 352 in bank accounts and seized €66 403 in cash during house searches.”

Europol noted that Black Axe, formally linked to the Neo-Black Movement of Africa, is a highly structured, hierarchical group with a global presence, dividing its territory into approximately 60 zones in Nigeria and 35 abroad, with about 200 members per zone.

“In total, the organisation has roughly 30,000 registered members, and countless affiliated individuals such as money mules and facilitators,” the European security organisation stated. “The group enforces strict codes of conduct, violent and ritualistic initiations, and spiritual practices.”