Nigerian ‘Black Axe mafia’ suspects arrested
Publish date: 03 May 2021
Issue Number: 920
Diary: IBA Legalbrief Africa
Category: Tenders
Italian police have carried out raids across the country, arresting 30 people suspected of operating for the Nigerian Black Axe mafia syndicate. Police say they face about 100 charges, including drug and people trafficking, prostitution and Internet fraud. BBC News reports that the gang is accused of using the Bitcoin cryptocurrency to carry out clandestine financial transactions on the dark web. ‘There is evidence that the members had a direct connection with the Nigerian gang, drawing on the same vocabulary, symbols and affiliation rituals,’ an Italian police official said.
