South Africa Extradites Six Nigerians to US Over $6 Million Romance Scams

Six Nigerian nationals were extradited from South Africa to the United States on Friday to face wire fraud and money laundering charges.

South African police stated the individuals were arrested in Cape Town in 2021 and were handed over to officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Secret Service at Cape Town International Airport. The alleged victims include more than 100 women in the US, reportedly pensioners and businesspeople targeted through sophisticated online relationships.

Interpol describes Black Axe as a criminal group responsible for a share of global cyber-enabled financial fraud, encompassing romance scams, cryptocurrency, and investment scams. Police spokesperson Katlego Mogale confirmed the extradition. This extradition follows a recent Interpol operation targeting West African organized crime groups, which resulted in 58 arrests and the identification of 263 suspects involved in similar illicit activities.

The operation aimed to disrupt money laundering, identify high-value targets, seize assets, and support arrests and prosecution. Less than two years ago, a prominent leader of the Black Axe was also extradited to the US for internet scams and money laundering. Authorities in South Africa also raided seven locations in Johannesburg linked to a syndicate running romance and investment scams targeting retirees in English-speaking countries.