Six Nigerian nationals accused of defrauding more than 100 American women of over US$6 million through online romance scams have been extradited from South Africa to the United States, authorities said.
The suspects were arrested in Cape Town in 2021 and were handed over to officials from the FBI and US Secret Service on September 11. They are expected to face charges of wire fraud and money laundering in the US.
South African police said the men were allegedly linked to Black Axe, a Nigerian criminal network associated with organised cybercrime. The group has been linked to romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud and fake investment schemes.
According to authorities, the suspects allegedly built online relationships with women, including pensioners and business owners, before persuading them to send money.
South African police spokesperson Katlego Mogale said the suspects were transferred from a correctional facility to Cape Town International Airport, where US officials took custody of them.
The extradition follows an Interpol operation targeting organised crime networks in West Africa. The operation led to 58 arrests and identified 263 people suspected of involvement in various criminal activities, including financial fraud and money laundering.
South African authorities have also stepped up action against online scam networks. In a separate operation in Johannesburg, police arrested 39 people allegedly involved in romance and investment scams targeting retirees in English-speaking countries. Authorities also froze bank accounts containing around US$2.67 million.
