South Africa is set to extradite six Nigerian nationals to the United States over allegations that they defrauded more than 100 American women of over $6 million through online romance scams.
The suspects, who were arrested in Cape Town in 2021, are alleged to be members of the Black Axe organised criminal network. US authorities are seeking them on charges including wire fraud and money laundering.
South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks, said the six men would be handed over to officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the US Secret Service at Cape Town International Airport on Friday.
Pensioners among alleged victims
According to the Hawks, the suspects allegedly targeted more than 100 women in the United States and defrauded them of more than R100 million, estimated at about $6.2 million.
The alleged victims included pensioners and businesspeople who were drawn into what authorities described as sophisticated online relationships.
Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale said the suspects allegedly used those relationships to gain the trust of their victims before defrauding them.
The operation involved coordination between South African authorities, Interpol and US law enforcement agencies as the suspects faced proceedings linked to their transfer to the United States.
Suspects arrested in 2021
The six Nigerians were arrested in South Africa in 2021 during a major operation targeting the alleged criminal network.
US authorities have previously pursued Black Axe-linked suspects over internet fraud and money laundering schemes. In a 2024 case, the US Department of Justice said a suspected Black Axe leader extradited from South Africa had allegedly participated in romance scams and advance-fee schemes targeting victims in the United States.
The latest suspects are expected to face the US charges after their transfer.
The allegations have not been proven in court, and the suspects remain entitled to due process.
Romance scams remain a major cybercrime threat
Romance scams typically involve criminals creating false identities on dating platforms or social media and developing emotional relationships with victims.
After establishing trust, fraudsters may use fabricated emergencies, financial difficulties or other false claims to persuade victims to transfer money.
The international nature of such schemes can make investigations difficult, requiring cooperation between law enforcement agencies in different countries.
The extradition of the six Nigerians underscores that cross-border cooperation, particularly between African and US authorities, remains central to efforts to prosecute alleged cybercrime networks.
