Black Axe Gang: Gardaí Find Memorabilia in €94m Fraud & Money Laundering Raids
International Fraud Gang ‘Black Axe’ Targeted in Irish Raids, Millions Laundered
Irish police have launched a major operation targeting the international Black Axe fraud and money laundering gang, seizing clothing and memorabilia linked to the organization and uncovering a copy of its global constitution. The raids, conducted at 11 locations across Ireland on Tuesday, represent a significant escalation in efforts to dismantle the group’s operations within the country.
The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB), supported by the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau and local units, carried out the searches in Sligo, Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Kilkenny, Kildare and Meath. These raids build upon three previous searches conducted in 2025 as part of “Operation Skein.”
Authorities have linked the Black Axe, which originated in Africa and is also known as the Neo Black Movement (NBM), to the theft and laundering of €94 million since 2020. To date, approximately 1,400 potential suspects have been identified, leading to 636 arrests and over 300 charges related to gangland offenses and money laundering.
The discovery of the gang’s constitution is particularly noteworthy, with security sources indicating it is the first time such a document has been obtained by a Western law enforcement agency. Alongside the constitution, Gardaí seized electronic devices – including mobile phones, laptops, and USB drives – believed to contain crucial evidence.
The raids also yielded items designed to demonstrate gang affiliation, including caps, medals, and ties. Some of these items were specifically produced for the Black Axe cell operating in Ireland, featuring slogans like “Ireland Zone, Stay Safe” and the Swahili word “uhuru,” meaning freedom or independence. A small number of items were produced for Black Axe members in both “Ireland-UK”.
While initially focused on laundering money stolen abroad through the Irish banking system, the Black Axe gang has shifted its tactics. It is now primarily engaged in taking over the bank accounts of unsuspecting Irish citizens. This is achieved through fraudulent texts mimicking legitimate banks and cloned websites designed to steal login credentials. Once access is gained, funds are quickly transferred to accounts controlled by the gang.
The seized merchandise is believed to signify rank and loyalty within the organization. Gardaí stated that the operation reflects a coordinated international approach, working closely with law enforcement partners, Europol, and Interpol, given the scale and sophistication of the criminal network.
According to Garda statements, the Black Axe gang’s activities in Ireland have grown to a point where the scale of their profits may rival, or even surpass, those generated by the domestic drugs trade. In 2022, the gang was involved in transnational frauds, such as business invoice and romance fraud.
The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau continues to investigate, emphasizing the ongoing nature of Operation Skein and its commitment to disrupting the Black Axe’s criminal enterprise.