Six Nigerian men arrested in South Africa over an alleged international romance scam are expected to be extradited to the United States on Friday, where they will face charges over the alleged defrauding of more than 100 victims of about $6.2 million.
The suspects were arrested in South Africa in 2021 as part of a major operation targeting the activities of the organised criminal network known as Black Axe.
South Africa’s elite police unit, the Hawks, said the men are wanted by American authorities in connection with alleged wire fraud and money laundering offences.
According to the police, the suspects allegedly operated a sophisticated online romance scam targeting women in the United States.
Investigators said the alleged fraudsters built relationships with their victims online before manipulating them into transferring money under various false pretences.
The Hawks estimated the alleged financial losses at more than R100 million, equivalent to approximately $6.2 million.
Hawks spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale, said the victims included pensioners and businesspeople who were allegedly drawn into what appeared to be genuine online relationships.
Mogale explained that the suspects allegedly used sophisticated tactics to gain the confidence of their targets before exploiting the relationships for financial gain.
The six men are expected to be handed over to officials from the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the US Secret Service at Cape Town International Airport.
Their extradition will pave the way for them to face proceedings before American courts over the alleged financial crimes.
How the alleged romance scam worked
Romance scams have become a major form of cross-border cybercrime, with perpetrators often creating false identities on dating platforms and social media.
After establishing emotional connections with unsuspecting targets, scammers typically introduce fabricated emergencies, investment opportunities, medical expenses or other financial requests.
In the case involving the six Nigerians, South African authorities allege that the victims were deliberately targeted through online relationships and subsequently defrauded of substantial sums.
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The case highlights the increasingly international nature of online financial crimes, with law enforcement agencies in different countries working together to identify suspects, recover illicit proceeds and prosecute alleged offenders.
The suspects remain allegations at this stage and are expected to face the US justice system over the charges against them.