Argentine authorities have arrested Ikechukwu N., a Nigerian national accused of masterminding a global network of romance scams defrauding thousands of women, marking the country’s first capture of a fugitive under both an INTERPOL Red Notice and Silver Notice.
The operation, announced by INTERPOL on Tuesday, highlights intensified efforts to dismantle West African-led cybercrime syndicates exploiting digital platforms.
The arrest was carried out by Argentina’s Federal Police (PFA) and the Public Prosecutor’s Office for Economic Crimes and Money Laundering (PROCEURAL), with support from the International Financial Crime and Asset Control Center (IFCACC), the Federal Investigation Service (FIS), and INTERPOL Brazil.
It was a key outcome of Operation Jackal III, an INTERPOL-led initiative across 21 countries from April to July, which led to hundreds of arrests, seizures worth over USD 3 million, and the disruption of networks tied to groups like Black Axe.
Ikechukwu N., whose surname was not fully disclosed, allegedly orchestrated romance scams using social media and dating apps, with fraudsters posing as wealthy suitors to extract money for fake emergencies or gifts, laundering profits through cryptocurrencies and international transfers.
INTERPOL’s investigations linked his network to losses of nearly USD 2.8 million from over 1,400 victims, with romance scams and sextortion identified as major threats.
INTERPOL’s Cyril Gout emphasized the operation’s significance, stating, “West African crime groups exploit technology to cause financial and emotional harm. This arrest shows the strength of global cooperation.”
The Red Notice targeted Ikechukwu for arrest on fraud and money laundering charges, while the Silver Notice, launched in January 2025, aided in tracking his illicit assets, including seized luxury goods and digital wallets.
Operation Jackal III leveraged a five-year Argentine investigation that previously dismantled a Nigerian-led ring, seizing USD 1.2 million in counterfeit “supernotes” and freezing over 100 bank accounts.
Collaboration across countries like the US, Japan, Nigeria, and Indonesia uncovered money mules and fake identities, leading to 72 arrests in Argentina and seizures of cash, cocaine, and devices tracing funds to Nigeria.
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