Six Nigerians to be Extradited to US Over $6M Scam

Six Nigerians accused of defrauding more than 100 women in the United States are scheduled for extradition from South Africa to face charges related to an alleged $6 million romance scam. The suspects, arrested in 2021, will be handed over to officials from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Secret Service on Friday.

They are alleged members of Black Axe, a Nigerian-origin organized crime network associated with internet fraud and other serious crimes. The Hawks, South Africa’s elite police unit, reported that the victims included pensioners and businesspeople who were targeted through fake online relationships.

Colonel Katlego Mogale, a spokesperson for the Hawks, stated that the suspects would be transported from a correctional facility in Cape Town to the airport for their transfer to US authorities. They are expected to face charges including wire fraud and money laundering.

This extradition is part of ongoing international efforts to dismantle Black Axe networks.