Six Nigerians to Be Extradited to US Over Alleged $6 Million Online Romance Scams

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — September 11, 2026: Six Nigerian nationals are being extradited from South Africa to the United States to face fraud and money-laundering charges over an alleged online romance scam that authorities say cost more than 100 American women over $6 million.

The suspects were arrested in Cape Town in 2021 during a major law-enforcement operation. South African authorities say they are linked to Black Axe, an organised criminal network that has been associated by international law-enforcement agencies with cyber-enabled financial crimes.

According to South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks, the alleged victims included pensioners and businesspeople. Investigators say the suspects used sophisticated online relationships to gain the victims’ confidence before allegedly persuading them to transfer money.

The six men are expected to be handed over at Cape Town International Airport to officials from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation and the US Secret Service before being transported to the United States. They face charges including wire fraud and money laundering.

The case highlights the increasingly international nature of online financial fraud. In alleged romance scams, criminals typically create false identities on dating platforms or social media, establish emotional relationships with victims and later use those relationships to solicit money.

The alleged Black Axe connection has also attracted international attention. Interpol has identified West African organised-crime groups as being involved in various forms of cyber-enabled fraud, including romance, cryptocurrency and investment scams. A recent multinational operation targeting such networks resulted in dozens of arrests and investigations across several countries.

In South Africa, authorities recently reported another operation against a syndicate allegedly involved in romance and investment scams targeting retirees in English-speaking countries. Police arrested 39 people, seized about $2.67 million and froze more than 250 bank accounts.

The extradition of the six suspects represents another step in the cooperation between South African and US authorities in pursuing alleged transnational cybercrime.

The six men remain accused, not convicted, and the allegations against them will be tested in US courts.