The rivalry between the Nigerian Black Axe and the Italian Mafia is complex, shaped by competition over criminal markets, territorial control, and differences in criminal methodologies. Here’s a detailed look at their rivalry

The Nigerian criminal groups, particularly the Black Axe, are expanding the fastest among the major criminal organizations currently operating.

 

The group has a hierarchal structure that keeps everything running, comprising:

• National Head – Runs the confraternity on a day-to-day basis, coordinating all of the departments below them. They are seen as the face of the Black Axe and serve as an example to all the Axe-Men.
• Chief Priest – Responsible for all of the activities within the Black Axe, as well as keeping research about the African traditional religion up to date. They also act as an assistant to the National Head.
• Chairman – Not much is known, but they are also one of the higher-ups within the hierarchy of the Black Axe
• Eyes – Responsible for keeping an eye out for police at different events and initiation. They also help connect with similar groups of similar ideals.
• Criers – Responsible for managing the website, publishing information about events, and overall organization of information.
• Butchers – Responsible for enforcing the rules of the Black Axe and keeping members in line.

The last three groups each have a chief. There are also councils, including the National Executive Council and the National Council of Elders, but not much is known about them

Rapid Expansion Through Cybercrime

• Global Reach: The Black Axe and similar Nigerian groups have leveraged the internet to rapidly expand their operations across the globe. They are heavily involved in cybercrime, including romance scams, business email compromise (BEC), phishing, and other forms of online fraud. These activities do not require the same level of physical presence or territorial control as traditional organized crime, allowing these groups to operate virtually anywhere with an internet connection.
• Low Barriers to Entry: Cybercrime has lower barriers to entry compared to traditional criminal enterprises like drug trafficking or extortion. This has enabled Nigerian groups to scale their operations quickly, recruit new members easily, and adapt to new technologies and methods.

Involvement in Human Trafficking and Migration Networks

• Exploitation of Migration Flows: Nigerian criminal organizations have been adept at exploiting the migrant crisis in Europe, particularly by trafficking women for prostitution and smuggling people across borders. Their involvement in these activities has allowed them to establish a presence in new regions, especially in Southern Europe, where they often work in tandem with or in competition against other organized crime groups.

Expansion Across Europe and North America

• Footprint in Europe: Nigerian groups, including the Black Axe, have rapidly expanded their footprint in Europe, particularly in Italy, Spain, Germany, and the UK. They have capitalized on the growing Nigerian diaspora and migrant communities to establish networks for drug trafficking, prostitution, and cybercrime.
• Presence in North America: In North America, particularly in the United States and Canada, Nigerian groups have also been expanding their influence, primarily through cybercrime and various types of fraud. The international nature of their operations has given them a significant presence in these regions.

Adaptive and Resilient Structure

• Flexibility and Adaptation: Nigerian criminal groups are highly adaptive and resilient. Their decentralized and often cell-based structure allows them to quickly shift operations, recruit new members, and respond to law enforcement pressures. This flexibility is a key factor in their rapid expansion.

Collaboration with Other Criminal Organizations

• Collaborative Expansion: Nigerian groups have increasingly collaborated with other criminal organizations to expand their operations. For example, they sometimes work with European and Latin American cartels in drug trafficking or partner with other African criminal networks in human trafficking. These collaborations have facilitated their entry into new markets and expanded their criminal activities.

 

This can not go un noticed by those who were there first and see these Blacks as infringing

1. Territorial Disputes

• Italy as a Battleground: Italy, particularly in the southern regions like Sicily, Naples, and Calabria, is traditionally Mafia territory. However, with the increasing migration of Nigerians to Italy, groups like the Black Axe have established a presence, particularly in urban centers and coastal areas. This has led to clashes over control of lucrative criminal markets such as drug trafficking, prostitution, and human trafficking.
• Conflicts and Collaboration: In some cases, the Italian Mafia and Nigerian groups have engaged in violent confrontations, especially over control of specific territories or criminal activities. However, there are also reports of occasional collaboration, where the Mafia might subcontract certain activities (like street-level drug distribution) to Nigerian groups, leveraging their manpower while maintaining control over larger operations.

2. Different Criminal Specializations

• Traditional vs. Cybercrime: The Italian Mafia has historically specialized in activities such as extortion, drug trafficking, and money laundering. Their operations are deeply rooted in local economies and often involve corruption at various levels of government and law enforcement.
• Cybercrime Dominance: The Black Axe, on the other hand, has rapidly expanded its reach through cybercrime. Their involvement in online fraud, including romance scams, phishing, and business email compromise (BEC) scams, has allowed them to generate significant revenue without the need for traditional territorial control. This difference in specialization means that while they compete in some areas (like drug trafficking), they also operate in distinct criminal arenas.

3. Impact on Local Communities

• Exploitation and Violence: Both the Italian Mafia and the Black Axe are known for their use of violence and exploitation. The Mafia’s extortion and control over local businesses have long been a source of fear in Italy. Similarly, the Black Axe is notorious for its brutal enforcement tactics, often targeting vulnerable Nigerian migrants for recruitment or exploitation in prostitution and human trafficking.
• Community Influence: The Mafia traditionally maintains a degree of influence within Italian communities, sometimes positioning themselves as protectors or providers in areas where the state’s presence is weak. The Black Axe, while feared, lacks the same level of entrenched local support, often being viewed as outsiders or predators, particularly in Italian communities.

4. Law Enforcement Response

• Crackdowns and Investigations: Law enforcement in Italy and other parts of Europe has increased pressure on both groups. There have been significant operations targeting Nigerian criminal groups, with arrests and deportations aimed at dismantling their networks. The Italian Mafia, while also under constant scrutiny, often benefits from deep-rooted connections within local institutions, making them harder to eradicate.
• International Collaboration: The transnational nature of the Black Axe’s cybercrime activities has necessitated international cooperation among law enforcement agencies, bringing a new dimension to efforts against organized crime. This global approach contrasts with the more localized, though still international, operations against the Italian Mafia.

5. Perception and Reputation

• Fear and Intimidation: Both groups are feared, but their reputations differ. The Mafia is often seen as a traditional, almost mythologized force with a long history in organized crime, while the Black Axe is viewed as a newer, more unpredictable threat, especially with their ties to brutal campus cults in Nigeria and their willingness to employ extreme violence.
• Cultural Clash: There’s also a cultural dimension to their rivalry. The Italian Mafia is deeply rooted in Italian culture and society, while the Black Axe is an external group, often seen as an invasive force by locals. This cultural clash exacerbates tensions and fuels conflicts between the two groups.

6. Global Implications

• Expanding Influence: As the Black Axe continues to expand its operations globally, its rivalry with the Mafia could extend beyond Italy into other regions where both groups operate, such as North America, the UK, and parts of Africa. The global nature of their activities means that this rivalry could influence organized crime dynamics in multiple countries.
• Evolution of Crime: The rivalry between these two groups is emblematic of the broader evolution of organized crime, where traditional crime syndicates face challenges from newer, more agile criminal networks that exploit technology and globalization.

The rivalry between the Nigerian Black Axe and the Italian Mafia is marked by territorial disputes, differences in criminal focus, and a clash of cultures. While both groups continue to exert significant influence in their respective areas of operation, the Black Axe’s rise, particularly in cybercrime, represents a growing challenge to the traditional dominance of the Italian Mafia. This rivalry is likely to continue evolving as both groups adapt to changing circumstances in the global criminal landscape.

 

Determining which group—the Nigerian Black Axe or the Italian Mafia—is more powerful depends on several factors, including their influence, reach, financial power, and the types of criminal activities they engage in. Here’s a breakdown of their respective strengths:

1. Global Reach and Influence

• Italian Mafia: The Italian Mafia, particularly groups like Cosa Nostra, the ‘Ndrangheta, and the Camorra, has a long-established global presence. They have deep-rooted connections in Italy and influence in countries with large Italian communities, such as the United States, Canada, Argentina, and Australia. Their operations extend across Europe, South America, and beyond, involving various illegal enterprises like drug trafficking, extortion, and money laundering. The ‘Ndrangheta, in particular, is known for its dominance in the global cocaine trade, making it one of the wealthiest and most powerful criminal organizations in the world.
• Nigerian Black Axe: The Black Axe has rapidly expanded its influence, particularly through its involvement in cybercrime. Their reach extends across Africa, Europe, North America, and parts of Asia, particularly in countries with significant Nigerian diaspora populations. While they lack the historical and cultural ties that the Italian Mafia has in some regions, their ability to operate globally, especially in cyberspace, has given them significant power in modern organized crime.

2. Financial Power

• Italian Mafia: The Italian Mafia, particularly the ‘Ndrangheta, is incredibly wealthy, with estimated annual revenues in the tens of billions of dollars. Their involvement in large-scale drug trafficking, extortion, and other lucrative enterprises has built substantial financial resources over decades. These financial resources allow them to corrupt officials, influence politics, and maintain a strong grip on their territories.
• Nigerian Black Axe: The Black Axe has also amassed significant financial power, particularly through cybercrime. While their total revenue is likely lower than that of the Italian Mafia, the nature of cybercrime—low overhead costs and high returns—means that they are rapidly growing in financial power. However, they don’t yet have the same level of entrenched financial networks and assets as the Italian Mafia.

3. Organizational Structure and Resilience

• Italian Mafia: The Italian Mafia is highly organized, with a hierarchical structure and a code of conduct that has allowed it to survive for over a century. Its deep integration into local economies, particularly in southern Italy, and its ability to adapt to law enforcement pressure have made it resilient. Even when key leaders are arrested, the organization often continues to function effectively.
• Nigerian Black Axe: The Black Axe is also organized but operates more loosely compared to the Mafia. Its structure is often cell-based, which makes it difficult to dismantle but also less centralized. This can lead to internal conflicts and less cohesive operations. However, their adaptability and focus on modern forms of crime, like cybercrime, give them a degree of flexibility that more traditional crime groups lack.

4. Types of Criminal Activities

• Italian Mafia: The Mafia’s strength lies in its control over traditional organized crime activities—drug trafficking, extortion, money laundering, and control over legitimate businesses. Their ability to infiltrate legal sectors and influence politics gives them a unique power.
• Nigerian Black Axe: The Black Axe’s strength is in modern crime, particularly cybercrime. Their involvement in online fraud, human trafficking, and drug smuggling is significant, but they do not have the same level of control over legitimate businesses or political influence as the Mafia.

5. Influence Over Politics and Society

• Italian Mafia: The Mafia has a well-documented history of influencing politics, especially in Italy. They have been involved in political corruption, controlling local economies, and even shaping national policies. Their influence is deeply entrenched in some regions.
• Nigerian Black Axe: While the Black Axe has influence, particularly in Nigeria where they have been involved in political violence and corruption, their global political influence is less pronounced than that of the Italian Mafia. They are more focused on exploiting weak governance and corruption rather than controlling or influencing political systems.

Overall Power: The Italian Mafia, particularly groups like the ‘Ndrangheta, is still more powerful in terms of financial resources, global reach, political influence, and organizational structure. Their deep roots in traditional organized crime, combined with their ability to adapt and maintain control over significant criminal markets, make them one of the most powerful criminal organizations in the world.

Rising Power: The Nigerian Black Axe is a rapidly growing power, particularly in the realm of cybercrime. Their ability to exploit new technologies and operate across borders with a flexible structure makes them a formidable force in modern organized crime. However, they do not yet rival the Italian Mafia in terms of overall influence, financial power, or organizational depth.

The Black Axe is a significant player, especially in certain criminal sectors, but the Italian Mafia remains the more powerful and influential of the two on the global stage.

 

Here’s a breakdown of their respective strengths:

1. Global Reach and Influence

• Italian Mafia: The Italian Mafia, particularly groups like Cosa Nostra, the ‘Ndrangheta, and the Camorra, has a long-established global presence. They have deep-rooted connections in Italy and influence in countries with large Italian communities, such as the United States, Canada, Argentina, and Australia. Their operations extend across Europe, South America, and beyond, involving various illegal enterprises like drug trafficking, extortion, and money laundering. The ‘Ndrangheta, in particular, is known for its dominance in the global cocaine trade, making it one of the wealthiest and most powerful criminal organizations in the world.
• Nigerian Black Axe: The Black Axe has rapidly expanded its influence, particularly through its involvement in cybercrime. Their reach extends across Africa, Europe, North America, and parts of Asia, particularly in countries with significant Nigerian diaspora populations. While they lack the historical and cultural ties that the Italian Mafia has in some regions, their ability to operate globally, especially in cyberspace, has given them significant power in modern organized crime.

2. Financial Power

• Italian Mafia: The Italian Mafia, particularly the ‘Ndrangheta, is incredibly wealthy, with estimated annual revenues in the tens of billions of dollars. Their involvement in large-scale drug trafficking, extortion, and other lucrative enterprises has built substantial financial resources over decades. These financial resources allow them to corrupt officials, influence politics, and maintain a strong grip on their territories.
• Nigerian Black Axe: The Black Axe has also amassed significant financial power, particularly through cybercrime. While their total revenue is likely lower than that of the Italian Mafia, the nature of cybercrime—low overhead costs and high returns—means that they are rapidly growing in financial power. However, they don’t yet have the same level of entrenched financial networks and assets as the Italian Mafia.

3. Organizational Structure and Resilience

• Italian Mafia: The Italian Mafia is highly organized, with a hierarchical structure and a code of conduct that has allowed it to survive for over a century. Its deep integration into local economies, particularly in southern Italy, and its ability to adapt to law enforcement pressure have made it resilient. Even when key leaders are arrested, the organization often continues to function effectively.
• Nigerian Black Axe: The Black Axe is also organized but operates more loosely compared to the Mafia. Its structure is often cell-based, which makes it difficult to dismantle but also less centralized. This can lead to internal conflicts and less cohesive operations. However, their adaptability and focus on modern forms of crime, like cybercrime, give them a degree of flexibility that more traditional crime groups lack.

4. Types of Criminal Activities

• Italian Mafia: The Mafia’s strength lies in its control over traditional organized crime activities—drug trafficking, extortion, money laundering, and control over legitimate businesses. Their ability to infiltrate legal sectors and influence politics gives them a unique power.
• Nigerian Black Axe: The Black Axe’s strength is in modern crime, particularly cybercrime. Their involvement in online fraud, human trafficking, and drug smuggling is significant, but they do not have the same level of control over legitimate businesses or political influence as the Mafia.

5. Influence Over Politics and Society

• Italian Mafia: The Mafia has a well-documented history of influencing politics, especially in Italy. They have been involved in political corruption, controlling local economies, and even shaping national policies. Their influence is deeply entrenched in some regions.
• Nigerian Black Axe: While the Black Axe has influence, particularly in Nigeria where they have been involved in political violence and corruption, their global political influence is less pronounced than that of the Italian Mafia. They are more focused on exploiting weak governance and corruption rather than controlling or influencing political systems.

Overall Power: The Italian Mafia, particularly groups like the ‘Ndrangheta, is still more powerful in terms of financial resources, global reach, political influence, and organizational structure. Their deep roots in traditional organized crime, combined with their ability to adapt and maintain control over significant criminal markets, make them one of the most powerful criminal organizations in the world.

Rising Power: The Nigerian Black Axe is a rapidly growing power, particularly in the realm of cybercrime. Their ability to exploit new technologies and operate across borders with a flexible structure makes them a formidable force in modern organized crime. However, they do not yet rival the Italian Mafia in terms of overall influence, financial power, or organizational depth.

The Black Axe is a significant player, especially in certain criminal sectors, but the Italian Mafia remains the more powerful and influential of the two on the global stage.

Control over Europe in terms of organized crime is complex and varies by region, type of criminal activity, and the specific criminal organizations involved. Here’s a breakdown of who controls Europe from an organized crime perspective:

1. Italian Mafia

• ‘Ndrangheta: The ‘Ndrangheta, originating from Calabria, Italy, is arguably the most powerful and influential criminal organization in Europe. It controls a significant portion of the cocaine trade across Europe, leveraging its deep connections with South American cartels. The ‘Ndrangheta has established cells across Europe, including in Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Spain, where they control drug trafficking, money laundering, and other illicit activities.
• Cosa Nostra and Camorra: While the ‘Ndrangheta is the most dominant, other Italian Mafia groups like the Sicilian Cosa Nostra and the Neapolitan Camorra also maintain significant influence in Europe. The Cosa Nostra has historically been involved in various criminal activities, including drug trafficking, extortion, and smuggling, particularly in Southern Italy and parts of Northern Europe. The Camorra is known for its involvement in counterfeiting, drug trafficking, and waste management, with influence in Spain and the UK.

2. Albanian Mafia

• The Albanian Mafia has become a significant force in Europe, particularly in the Western Balkans, Italy, and the UK. They are heavily involved in drug trafficking (especially heroin), human trafficking, and arms smuggling. Albanian criminal networks are known for their brutality and strong clan-based structures, which make them resilient and difficult to penetrate by law enforcement.

3. Russian and Eastern European Organized Crime

• Russian and Eastern European organized crime groups, including those from countries like Ukraine and Georgia, exert substantial influence in Europe. These groups are involved in a wide range of criminal activities, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, arms smuggling, cybercrime, and money laundering. They have strong networks in countries like Germany, the UK, Spain, and France, and their operations often intersect with other criminal organizations, including the Italian Mafia.

4. Nigerian Criminal Groups (including Black Axe)

• Nigerian criminal organizations, including the Black Axe, have established a growing presence in Europe, particularly in Italy, Spain, Germany, and the UK. While they do not “control” Europe in the same way as the Italian Mafia or Albanian groups, they are increasingly influential in specific areas such as human trafficking, prostitution, and cybercrime. The Black Axe and other Nigerian groups are particularly involved in exploiting African migrant communities and engaging in online fraud schemes.

5. Turkish Organized Crime

• Turkish criminal networks play a significant role in Europe, particularly in drug trafficking (heroin and, increasingly, cocaine) and human smuggling. They have strong connections in countries with large Turkish diasporas, such as Germany and the Netherlands, and are often linked with Kurdish groups involved in similar activities.

6. Local and Regional Gangs

• In addition to these large, transnational organizations, Europe is home to numerous local and regional gangs that control specific territories or cities. These can range from biker gangs (like the Hells Angels) in Scandinavia and Germany to street gangs in France, the UK, and the Netherlands. While their influence is generally more localized, they can sometimes be powerful players within their regions.

Conclusion: Who Controls Europe?

• Overall Control: The Italian Mafia, particularly the ‘Ndrangheta, is considered the most powerful and influential criminal organization in Europe, especially in the areas of drug trafficking and money laundering.
• Regional Influence: The Albanian Mafia and Russian/Eastern European organized crime groups also wield significant power in various parts of Europe, often in competition or cooperation with Italian criminal organizations.
• Growing Influence: Nigerian groups, including the Black Axe, have a growing influence, particularly in human trafficking and cybercrime, but they do not yet rival the traditional powerhouses in terms of control over Europe as a whole.

The landscape of organized crime in Europe is highly fragmented and involves a complex interplay of various criminal groups, each dominating different sectors and regions. The Italian Mafia remains the most entrenched and powerful, but other groups are increasingly challenging this dominance, particularly in newer forms of crime like cybercrime and human trafficking.

 

Each of the major criminal organizations operating in Europe—such as the Italian Mafia, the Albanian Mafia, Russian and Eastern European organized crime groups, Nigerian criminal groups like the Black Axe, and Turkish organized crime—has its own set of weaknesses. These vulnerabilities can be exploited by law enforcement and other rivals. Here’s a detailed look at the main weaknesses of these groups:

1. Italian Mafia

• Internal Rivalries and Fragmentation: While the Italian Mafia is powerful, it is not monolithic. The different Mafia groups (Cosa Nostra, ‘Ndrangheta, Camorra, etc.) often have internal rivalries and conflicts. These rivalries can lead to violent clashes and weaken the overall cohesion of the Mafia.
• Law Enforcement Pressure: The Italian Mafia has been under intense scrutiny from law enforcement for decades. High-profile arrests, anti-Mafia legislation, and the seizure of assets have weakened many of their operations. The Mafia’s reliance on traditional forms of organized crime, which require territorial control, makes them vulnerable to focused police operations.
• Dependence on Local Influence: The Mafia’s influence is heavily dependent on its deep roots in certain Italian communities. As global crime evolves and new criminal groups emerge, the Mafia’s traditional methods and local ties may become less effective, particularly as younger generations may be less willing to engage with or protect Mafia activities.
• Cultural and Generational Shifts: The Mafia’s code of silence (omertà) has been eroding over time. Cultural shifts, economic changes, and the rise of anti-Mafia sentiment, especially among younger generations in Italy, have led to increased cooperation with law enforcement.

2. Albanian Mafia

• Clan-Based Structure: The Albanian Mafia’s strength is also its weakness. Their clan-based structure means that loyalty is strong, but it also leads to insularity and potential conflicts between clans. This can result in fragmentation and internal power struggles.
• Relatively New Presence in Some Areas: While the Albanian Mafia is growing in influence, especially in Western Europe, it lacks the deeply entrenched networks that older criminal organizations like the Italian Mafia have. This can make it more vulnerable to law enforcement as they are less able to rely on longstanding corrupt relationships in some regions.
• Violent Reputation: The Albanian Mafia is known for its brutality, which, while effective in the short term, can attract significant attention from law enforcement and rival groups. Their violent methods can make them a target for international police cooperation.

3. Russian and Eastern European Organized Crime

• Political Instability: Russian and Eastern European organized crime groups often exploit political instability in their home countries. However, this reliance on corrupt or weak state structures can become a weakness if political conditions change or if there is a crackdown on corruption.
• Heavy Involvement in Visible Crimes: These groups are heavily involved in high-profile crimes like human trafficking, drug trafficking, and arms smuggling. The visibility of these activities makes them targets for international law enforcement efforts and sanctions.
• Lack of Centralized Leadership: While these groups are powerful, they often lack centralized leadership, especially compared to the Italian Mafia. This can lead to internal conflicts, power struggles, and inconsistencies in operations, weakening their overall effectiveness.

4. Nigerian Criminal Groups (including Black Axe)

• Lack of Deep Local Ties: Unlike the Italian Mafia, Nigerian groups like the Black Axe lack deep cultural or community ties in many of the countries where they operate. This can make it harder for them to establish long-term influence and makes them more vulnerable to law enforcement.
• Internal Violence and Fragmentation: Nigerian criminal groups often suffer from internal violence and fragmentation, with different factions competing for control. This lack of unity can weaken their operations and make them easier to disrupt.
• High Visibility in Cybercrime: The Black Axe and other Nigerian groups are heavily involved in cybercrime, which is increasingly attracting the attention of international law enforcement. Cybercrime activities leave digital trails, making it possible for authorities to track and dismantle networks more effectively.
• Exploitation of Vulnerable Communities: The Black Axe’s reliance on exploiting vulnerable African migrant communities can be a double-edged sword. While it provides a steady source of recruits and victims, it also leads to greater scrutiny and resistance from these communities, as well as from human rights organizations.

5. Turkish Organized Crime

• Strong Competition: Turkish organized crime faces strong competition from other criminal groups, particularly in the drug trade and human smuggling. This competition can lead to conflicts and weaken their overall operations.
• Focus on Specific Regions: Turkish criminal networks are heavily concentrated in certain areas, such as Germany and the Netherlands. This regional concentration makes them powerful in those areas but also makes them more vulnerable to targeted law enforcement operations.
• Dependency on Drug Trafficking: Much of the power of Turkish organized crime comes from their involvement in the heroin trade. However, this dependency on a single type of illicit activity makes them vulnerable if market dynamics change, such as shifts in drug demand or successful interdiction efforts.

While these criminal organizations are powerful and influential, their weaknesses present opportunities for law enforcement and rival groups to challenge their dominance. The Italian Mafia’s traditional methods and deep roots can become liabilities in a rapidly changing world. The Albanian Mafia’s clan structure can lead to internal conflicts. Russian and Eastern European groups’ reliance on political corruption makes them vulnerable to changes in government. Nigerian groups face challenges due to lack of local ties and high visibility in cybercrime, while Turkish organized crime’s regional focus limits their broader influence.

Each group’s weaknesses are tied to their strengths, and exploiting these vulnerabilities requires coordinated, sustained efforts by law enforcement, international organizations, and local communities.

 

 

The BBC has called the Black Axe a “mafia-style gang”.

Politics

The Black Axe seems to have engaged in political misconduct. For example, Augustus Bemigho, a 2019 APC party candidate for political office, was connected to the Black Axe. Emails show that he “sent guidance on scamming to a network of collaborators on 62 occasions and communicated with others about specific scamming targets.” Some of the documents in his emails show that in Benin City, 35 million naira ($85,000; £64,000) was directed to the Black Axe to secure votes in 2012.

Cyber Crime

 

In October 2021, eight members of the Black Axe were arrested and charged in connection with Internet scams. In 2011 and 2012, members of the group in South Africa were accused of running romance scams and advance-fee schemes to defraud investors. They used the widely known Nigerian email scams, as well as social media, dating websites, and phone numbers to target US citizens.

In 2021 and 2022, Interpol arrested 75 suspected members of the Black Axe for trying to wire one million dollars over many bank accounts. This operation spanned four countries in four continents. Along with cars and luxury items, Interpol agents seized 12,000 SIM cards that helped identify many suspects.

In 2023, a member of the Black Axe was caught trying to steal one million dollars through money laundering. Starting in 2017, a man, who was supposedly working with the Black Axe, opened many bank accounts to conceal money that was secured from fraudulent schemes such as business email compromises. One of the names he operated under was the Abravoo Trading Company.

Confraternity violence By Wikipedia

There are many instances of violence between the Black Axe and other confraternities. In May 2009, there was a fight between the Black Axe and the De Norsemen Kclub of Nigeria. This led to injuries and deaths amongst students at the University of Abuja. In March 2010, another fight broke out against the Maphite confraternity, resulting in the deaths of nine people. At least 53 people were injured or killed between March 2009 and June 2013 in fights between the Black Axe and their rivals, the Eiye confraternity.

Much of Black Axe’s violent crime, including murders and rapes, are not reported, as there is little policing within Benin City. On 10 July 1999, forty members of the Black Axe drove to Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife. Holding shotguns and hatchets, they called out to specific students, saying things like “Faro, come out if you are a man! Legacy, come out if na your father born you!”  The Black Axe member enter the student’s residence killing and injuring sixteen people.

In 2016, almost two dozen Black Axe members were arrested in Italy for “mafia conspiracy, drug trafficking, exploitation of prostitution and violent crimes.” A year later, more Black Axe members were suspected in other sex trafficking activities in Italy.

In January 2022, four Black Axe members were arrested after forcing a woman into human trafficking. She was forced into prostitution after a ritual that bonded her to her traffickers’ debts. It was reported that she had been “imprisoned, raped, blackmailed, and forced into prostitution to pay a debt of about €15,000.”