Six Nigerians Extradited from South Africa to US Over $6 Million Romance Scam

Six Nigerian nationals accused of participating in a transnational cyber fraud network that defrauded American women of over $6 million have been extradited from South Africa to the United States. The men were handed over to officials from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Secret Service at Cape Town International Airport on Friday.

The extradition was facilitated by South Africa's Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks, in coordination with Interpol South Africa. The suspects were transported directly from a correctional facility in Cape Town to board their flight to the U.S. to face charges of wire fraud and money laundering.

Alleged Links to Black Axe Syndicate

Authorities state that the six men, who were initially apprehended in Cape Town in 2021, belong to the Black Axe criminal network. Interpol identifies Black Axe as a major global contributor to cyber-enabled financial fraud, particularly through romance, cryptocurrency, and investment schemes.

South African police allege that the group targeted more than 100 American victims, including pensioners and business owners, using sophisticated online relationships to manipulate them out of millions of dollars. Police spokesperson Katlego Mogale confirmed the handover details following the arrival of U.S. law enforcement officials in South Africa.

Broader Crackdown on West African Organized Crime

The extradition follows broader international law enforcement efforts aimed at dismantling West African organized crime syndicates. A recent Interpol operation targeting similar networks resulted in 58 arrests and the identification of 263 suspects connected to cyber fraud and money laundering operations worldwide.

As part of these regional efforts, South African authorities raided seven properties in Johannesburg linked to a syndicate running romance and investment scams focused on retirees in English-speaking nations. That specific operation yielded 39 arrests, the seizure of $2.67 million, and the freezing of more than 250 bank accounts.