Gardaí seize clothing and electronics in operation targeting Black Axe group
James Cox
Gardaí from the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) carried out a day of action as part of Operation SKEIN targeting the Black Axe organized crime group on Tuesday.
GNECB members alongside the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau and local uniform and detective units carried out 11 searches at locations across Ireland.
GNECB carried out searches in counties Sligo, Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Kilkenny, Kildare, and Meath.
These 11 searches are in addition to three previously conducted in 2025.
During the course of the operation, gardaí seized a number of electronic devices of evidential value.
In addition to these devices, gardaí recovered a number of clothing items which are believed to denote affiliation, rank and loyalty in the organized crime group.
As part of Operation SKEIN, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau "continues to work closely with law enforcement partners across several jurisdictions and is supported in its efforts by Europol and Interpol".
This coordinated international approach reflects the scale and sophistication of the criminal network under investigation.
Investigations are ongoing, gardaí said.
Although the group operates in Ireland, it is based in west Africa. The criminal organisation also attempts to trick people into becoming money mules.
