BIG STORY

Interpol Arrests 75 Cybercrime Suspects ‘Linked’ To Black Axe

Published

2 years ago

October 20, 2022

The International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) says it has arrested 75 persons linked to Black Axe, one of Nigeria’s biggest cult groups.

In a report published on Friday, Interpol said it coordinated a global operation, codenamed ‘Operation Jackal’, specifically against Black Axe.

The operation involved 14 countries across four continents from September 26 to September 30, 2022.

The international police described the group as one that is “rapidly becoming a major security threat worldwide”.

“Black Axe and similar groups are responsible for the majority of the world’s cyber-enabled financial fraud as well as many other serious crimes, according to evidence analyzed by Interpol’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre (IFCACC) and national law enforcement,” the report reads.

“In South Africa alone, the two suspects arrested were wanted for online scams that extracted USD 1.8 million from victims.

“In Italy, the Carabinieri made three arrests in Campobasso within the framework of the operation.

Interpol said in the course of the operation, 49 properties were searched, 75 arrests made, and 1.2 million Euro intercepted in bank accounts.

“The immense quantity of assets seized, including 12,000 SIM cards, have provided new investigative leads for law enforcement, generating 13 analytical reports and allowing police to identify more than 70 additional suspects,” the report reads.

“The lavish lifestyles and greed of many suspects – allegedly paid for by defrauding members of the public of their savings and other criminal activities – was on clear display at the scenes of their arrest.

“Various luxury assets were seized, including a residential property, three cars, and tens of thousands in cash.”

Stephen Kavanagh, executive director of police services, Interpol, said: “Illicit financial funds are the lifeblood of transnational organized crime, and we have witnessed how groups like Black Axe will channel money gained from online financial scams into other crime areas, such as drugs and human trafficking.

“These groups demand a global response.”

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BIG STORY

Alleged N110bn Fraud: Court Adjourns Yahaya Bello, Other’s Bail Ruling To December 10

Published

4 hours ago

November 27, 2024

PorscheClassy News

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned to December 10 for a ruling on the bail application by the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, and two others.

Bello had pleaded not guilty to the 16-count charges brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The former governor, along with Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, are being prosecuted as the 1st to 3rd defendants, respectively, in a fresh N110bn 16-count charge instituted against them by the EFCC.

Bello, the 1st defendant, vehemently denied the allegations before Justice Maryanne Anenih as they were read out to them.

After taking their plea, the Defendant’s Counsel, Joseph Daudu, moved an application for bail.

However, the EFCC Counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, opposed the application, arguing that it had expired in October.

Clarifying the issue, the Defendant’s Counsel stated that the only relevant application before the Court was the motion for bail in respect of the first defendant, which was filed on November 22.

Relying on all the paragraphs of the affidavit, he added that the bail application was also supported with a written address.

Justice Anenih ordered that the defendants be remanded in the custody of the EFCC.

The EFCC had filed an N110bn alleged fraud suit against the former governor.

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BIG STORY

JUST IN: Court Remands Yahaya Bello In EFCC Custody Amid Alleged N110bn Fraud Case

Published

7 hours ago

November 27, 2024

PorscheClassy News

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has remanded Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi, in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Bello was arraigned on a 16-count charge related to alleged money laundering on Wednesday.

He pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

More to come…

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BIG STORY

First Phase Of 10,800-Bed Hostel In LASU Ready — Tokunbo Wahab

Published

7 hours ago

November 27, 2024

PorscheClassy News

The first phase of a 10,800-bed hostel project at the Lagos State University (LASU) is now ready for inauguration, according to Tokunbo Wahab, former special adviser to the governor on education.

Wahab, who is now commissioner for environment and water resources in Lagos, describes the project as ambitious and transformative.

“ It remains one of the most ambitious and transformative projects undertaken during my time as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education,” he wrote on X.

“It was executed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) arrangement which involves seven reputable investors.”

Wahab commended Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos governor, for his leadership and continuous support.

“Proud of the work done here and to have been a part of this special one,” he added.

“Through the grace of God and the unwavering support and the dedication of the Lagos State Office of Public-Private Partnerships, the relentless efforts of the management staff of LASU, led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, and the cooperation of other key stakeholders, the first phase of this landmark project has now been completed.”

Wahab emphasized that the project showcases the state government’s commitment to leveraging public-private partnerships to address critical infrastructure needs in the education sector.

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