6 Nigerians Extradited to US Over Massive Romance Scam Targeting Women

(Man Handcuffed. Photo Credit: Punch News)

Six Nigerian men accused of running romance scams that defrauded over 100 women in the United States have been extradited from South Africa to face trial in America.

The men were arrested in South Africa in 2021 and are believed to be members of the Black Axe organised crime network.

South African authorities worked with international law enforcement to hand them over to US officials at Cape Town International Airport on Friday.

The suspects are wanted by American authorities on charges of wire fr@ud and money laundering.

Authorities say they allegedly scammed victims out of more than R100 million through online romance and love schemes.

The men would pose as romantic interests online, build relationships with women, and then trick them into sending money.

Officials from the FBI and the US Secret Service received the suspects at the airport and will transport them to face prosecution in the United States.

The extradition shows how South African and US law enforcement agencies are working together to tackle organised crime that crosses borders.

According to a spokesperson for South Africa's Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, the operation reflects continued cooperation between international partners in disrupting transnational criminal networks and ensuring suspects are held accountable wherever they committed their crimes.