Seven people in the Toronto area have been arrested in a global fraud investigation targeting West African organized crime groups.
Toronto police say the seven accused allegedly received and moved illicit funds taken from victims, with losses exceeding $1.3 million.
Led by Interpol, Project Jackal III involved law enforcement agencies from 21 countries across five continents.
Police arrested 300 people, seized $3 million and blocked 720 bank accounts, Interpol said Tuesday.
The accused in Toronto allegedly stole business cheques and other financial documents from Canada Post mailboxes in the GTA and across Southern Ontario in order to commit identity theft and other frauds.
Police said several of these alleged frauds have been linked to West African crime groups, including Black Axe.
“Black Axe is one of the most prominent West African transnational organized crime syndicates, with operations in cyber fraud, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and violent crimes both within Africa and globally,” Interpol said in a press release.
“In Canada, these crime groups are responsible for various cyber-related frauds that often target vulnerable and elderly victims,” said Det.-Sgt. Anthony Coscarella, of the Toronto Police Financial Crimes Unit. “Whether it’s a romance, investment, or other advance fee scam, the victims of these crimes have suffered significant financial losses.”
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Toronto Police said their involvement with the global operation started in late 2023 when it began investigating a cyber-related romance fraud linked to West African crime groups targeting elderly victims on social media platforms.
Police executed search warrants earlier this month as part of a theft of mail and fraud investigation, which resulted in the arrests.
Police said the names of the accused will not be released at this time as the investigation is ongoing.