No fewer than 30 Nigerians suspected to be members of the Black Axe confraternity that has been operating in different parts of the country.
A 35-year-old Nigerian alleged to be the gang’s leader in Italy was arrested in a raid that reportedly took place across 14 provinces in Italy.
According to Reuters, the Italian police force said the suspects would face almost 100 charges, including mafia association, drug trafficking, illegal immigration, prostitution and internet fraud.
The police also said most of the suspected crimes were committed on the internet, alleging that Bitcoins were used on the dark web to purchase cloned credit cards, which were then used for online shopping.
“There is evidence that the members had a direct connection with the Nigerian gang, drawing on the same vocabulary, symbols and affiliation rituals,” the Italian police said.
Italy’s Interior Minister, Luciana Lamorgese, commenting on the incident, said: “This proves the ability of the judiciary and police forces to fight against old and new mafia groups which are trying to extend their criminal reach and expand their business”.
The Black Axe is a fraternity that originated from the University of Benin, Nigeria in the 1970s.
