In a significant international law enforcement strike, Spanish police have arrested 34 suspected members of the global 'Black Axe' criminal organisation. The operation, supported by Europol and German authorities, targeted the gang over allegations of large-scale fraud, money laundering, and document forgery.
Operation Details and Arrest Locations
The joint action, which took place on Friday, 9 January 2026, was a coordinated effort between Spanish police, the Bavarian State Criminal Police Office in Germany, and Europol. The vast majority of the arrests, 28 in total, were executed in the city of Seville. Further detentions were made in Madrid (3), Malaga (2), and Barcelona (1).
Europol stated that the operation specifically aimed at the network's core group, which is known to recruit financially vulnerable individuals as money mules. "Most of these vulnerable individuals are of Spanish nationality and are exploited to facilitate the network's criminal activities," the agency confirmed.
The Global Reach of the Black Axe
Originating as a Nigerian student fraternity in the late 1970s, the Black Axe has morphed into a sophisticated and violent international crime syndicate. Authorities describe it as a "highly structured" hierarchical organisation with a presence in dozens of countries.
While its primary focus is cyber-enabled financial crime, Europol links the group to a wide catalogue of illegal activities, including:
- Drug and human trafficking
- Prostitution and kidnapping
- Armed robbery
- So-called "fraudulent spiritual practices"
The gang is known for enforcing strict codes of conduct and violent, ritualistic initiations. Investigators estimate the network defrauded victims of more than €5.9m (£5.1m) in this specific case, but believe its annual criminal proceeds reach into the billions of euros globally.
Impact and Scale of the Network
Europol has hailed the arrests as causing "significant disruptions to the group's activities." The agency estimates that the Black Axe has roughly 30,000 registered members, alongside countless affiliated money mules and facilitators worldwide.
This cross-border operation underscores the ongoing challenge posed by transnational organised crime groups that exploit digital tools and economic disparities. The successful collaboration between Spanish, German, and EU agencies marks a critical step in dismantling the operational core of one of the world's most prolific criminal networks.
