Six Nigerian Suspects To Be Extradited From South Africa Over R100 Million US Romance Scam

Six Nigerian men accused of defrauding more than 100 women in the United States of more than R100 million through online romance scams are set to be extradited from South Africa.

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), better known as the Hawks, announced the extradition on Friday morning. The suspects have been wanted by US authorities on charges including wire fraud and money laundering.

Nigerian Romance Scam Suspects To Be Extradited To US

Hawks national spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said the extradition is being facilitated by the Hawks in partnership with INTERPOL South Africa.

The six men are alleged to be members of the Black Axe organised criminal network. They are accused of using online relationships to target victims in the United States and obtain money from them.

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“The suspects are alleged to have targeted more than 100 women in the United States, allegedly defrauding them of more than R100 million through online romance or love scams.”

Mogale said the alleged victims included pensioners and businesspeople. She said the suspects reportedly used sophisticated online relationships as part of the alleged scheme to obtain their victims' money.

The investigation has involved cooperation between South African and US law enforcement authorities.

The six Nigerian nationals were arrested in South Africa in 2021. Their arrests followed what the Hawks described as a major takedown operation conducted by the DPCI.

“The six Nigerian nationals were arrested in South Africa in 2021, following a major takedown operation conducted by the Hawks/DPCI.”

Nigerian Suspects Arrested In South Africa In 2021

The suspects are currently being held at a correctional facility in Cape Town. Mogale said INTERPOL South Africa would co-ordinate their transfer from the facility to Cape Town International Airport on Friday.

US officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Secret Service arrived in South Africa to receive the suspects.

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The six men will be formally handed over to the US officials at the airport. The process forms part of the extradition arrangements between the two countries. The formal handover is expected to take place on Friday afternoon.

“The formal handover is expected to take place this afternoon.”

The extradition follows several years after the suspects were arrested in South Africa. US authorities are seeking to prosecute them over the allegations contained in the charges against them. The suspects will face the US legal process following their transfer.

Black Axe Suspects Face US Wire Fraud And Money Laundering Charges

Mogale said the operation highlights the continued collaboration between South African authorities and international law enforcement agencies.

She said cooperation with international partners remains important in tackling organised criminal networks operating across borders. The Hawks will facilitate media interviews and provide further information on the operation.

“This extradition demonstrates the continued cooperation between South African law enforcement agencies and international law enforcement partners in disrupting transnational organised crime and ensuring that suspects wanted in other jurisdictions face due legal process,” she added.

The suspects are expected to be transferred into the custody of US authorities after the formal handover.

Their extradition marks the latest stage in a case that began with their arrests in South Africa in 2021. The allegations against them remain subject to the legal process in the United States.