Europol and Spanish Police arrest 34 in crackdown on Black Axe criminal network

Europol and Spanish Police have arrested 34 suspects in Spain in a crackdown on the Black Axe criminal network, with most arrests taking place in Seville and others in Madrid, Málaga and Barcelona. According to Europol, the operation was a joint effort by Spanish police, Bavarian authorities and Europol, aimed at disrupting an international organisation linked to cyber fraud, trafficking and other crimes.

The press release notes that the core group of arrested individuals consists of 10 Nigerian nationals, and investigators estimate the network caused more than €5.93 million in fraud losses. Bank accounts were frozen to €119,352 and €66,403 in cash was seized, as the operation relied on Germany–Spain cooperation, including intelligence sharing and on-site German officers.

The Black Axe organisation is described as highly structured and global, with origins in Nigeria and a presence in dozens of countries, leveraging money mules recruited from impoverished areas to facilitate its activities. 12 January 2026.