$6 Million Fraud Scandal: Six Nigerians Extradited From South Africa To Face US Charges

Six Nigerian men arrested in South Africa over an alleged international romance scam are set to be extradited to the United States to face charges connected to the alleged defrauding of more than 100 victims of over $6 million.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the suspects were arrested in South Africa in 2021 during a major operation targeting the organised criminal network allegedly linked to Black Axe.

South Africa’s elite police unit, the Hawks, said the suspects are wanted by United States authorities over alleged offences including wire fraud and money laundering. Investigators accused the men of targeting more than 100 women in the US through online romance scams, allegedly using deceptive identities and fabricated relationships to gain the trust of their victims.

The suspects are alleged to have defrauded their victims of more than R100 million, estimated at approximately $6.2 million. Some of those allegedly targeted were pensioners and businesspeople who were reportedly manipulated through sophisticated online relationships before being persuaded to part with their money.

Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said the suspects were expected to be handed over to officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the US Secret Service at Cape Town International Airport.

Romance scams have become a significant form of international cybercrime, with fraudsters often creating fake identities on dating platforms and social media to establish emotional relationships with unsuspecting individuals. Once trust has been built, victims may be manipulated into sending money under various false pretences.

The planned extradition forms part of efforts by US authorities to bring the suspects before American courts over the alleged financial offences. The men remain accused of the crimes and would have the opportunity to respond to the allegations through the US legal system.