News
Global law enforcement operation targets West African financial crime

July 21, 2024, Toronto, Ont. – The Toronto Police Service (TPS) recently participated in INTERPOL Operation Jackal III, a global law enforcement operation targeting transnational fraud associated with West African organized crime groups.

As noted in a news release issued by INTERPOL, the operation focused on online financial fraud and the West African syndicates behind it. The TPS Financial Crimes Unit hosted INTERPOL’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre (IFCACC) post-operational meeting for JACKAL III at Toronto Police Headquarters on July 2, with law enforcement representatives from 21 countries across five continents in attendance.

“In Canada, these crime groups are responsible for various cyber-related frauds that often target vulnerable and elderly victims,” said Detective Sergeant Anthony Coscarella of the Toronto Police Service Financial Crimes Unit. “Whether it’s a romance, investment, or other advance fee scam, the victims of these crimes have suffered significant financial losses.”

In late 2023, the Financial Crimes Unit began investigating a cyber-related romance fraud linked to West African crime groups targeting elderly victims on various social media platforms.

In July 2024, the Financial Crimes Unit executed search warrants as part of a Theft of Mail and Fraud investigation. Suspects were found to have stolen 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. Several of these frauds have been linked to West African crime groups, including Black Axe.

To date, police have arrested seven suspects from the Toronto area for receiving and moving illicit funds taken from victims, with losses exceeding $1.3 million.

“TPS remains committed to protecting our communities from financial crimes and bringing those responsible to justice,” said Detective Sergeant Coscarella. “Our collaboration with INTERPOL and our international and national partners is crucial in tackling these sophisticated criminal networks.”