Six Nigerians Nigerians accused of romance scams to be extradited to the US
Six Nigerian nationals accused of running a romance scam syndicate are being extradited from South Africa to the United States. The group, linked to the 'Black Axe' criminal network, allegedly defrauded over 100 victims of millions of dollars.
Why it matters
This case underscores the global reach of organized cybercrime syndicates and the effectiveness of international law enforcement cooperation.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Khanyisile Ngcobo , Johannesburg and Nardine Saad , Los Angeles Getty Images Pensioners and business people were targeted through fake online relationships South African police are handing over six Nigerians wanted in the US for alleged online romance scams to FBI agents later on Friday.
The group is accused of targeting over 100 women in the US and defrauding them of more than 100m rand ($6m; £5m), the South African authorities said.
Those being extradited were arrested in 2021 and are believed to be members of crime syndicate Black Axe - a Nigerian mafia-style gang tied to human trafficking, internet fraud and murder.
Some of their reported victims included pensioners and businesspeople "who were targeted through sophisticated online relationships used to defraud them of their money", according to South Africa's elite Hawks police unit.
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