Six Nigerian nationals accused of defrauding more than 100 women in the United States through online romance scams are set to be extradited from South Africa to the US.
The suspects, who were arrested in Cape Town in 2021, are wanted by US authorities on charges including wire fraud and money laundering. South African police said they are alleged to have links to the organised criminal network known as Black Axe.
According to South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, the six men allegedly targeted more than 100 women and defrauded them of over $6 million (more than R100 million) through sophisticated online relationships.
Among the alleged victims were pensioners and businesspeople who were reportedly persuaded to send money after being targeted through fake romantic relationships.
The suspects are expected to be handed over to officials from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the US Secret Service at Cape Town International Airport.
South African police spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said the extradition was being coordinated by Interpol South Africa, with the suspects transported from a correctional facility in Cape Town before being handed over to the US authorities.
The case forms part of broader international efforts to tackle organised cyber-enabled financial crime. Interpol recently reported an operation targeting West African criminal networks that resulted in 58 arrests and the identification of 263 suspects.
South African authorities have also recently dismantled another syndicate allegedly involved in romance and investment scams targeting retirees, arresting 39 people and freezing more than 250 bank accounts.
The six Nigerians will face the US justice system, where the allegations against them will be tested in court.
