Six Nigerian nationals extradited over alleged R100m romance scam

Six Nigerian nationals have been extradited from South Africa to the United States over alleged wire fraud and money laundering linked to online romance scams.

According to SAPS, the Hawks and INTERPOL South Africa facilitated the extradition on Friday, 11 September. The six men are allegedly linked to the Black Axe organised criminal network and are accused of targeting more than 100 women in the US.

#sapsHAWKS [SIX NIGERIAN NATIONALS WANTED IN THE USA FOR ONLINE LOVE SCAMS EXTRADITED THROUGH COLLABORATION BY THE HAWKS AND INTERPOL]

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the #Hawks, in collaboration with #INTERPOL South Africa, yesterday,… pic.twitter.com/jKkWsVcETZ

SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) September 12, 2026

The alleged victims reportedly included pensioners and businesspeople who were defrauded of more than R100 million through sophisticated online relationships.

Six arrested in South Africa in 2021

The men were among eight Nigerian nationals arrested in South Africa in 2021 during a Hawks takedown operation. In February 2024, the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court ruled that the alleged members could be extradited to the US.

Two of the eight did not proceed with appeals. One was extradited to the US while another was granted R210 000 bail with conditions.

The six remaining suspects were transported from a Cape Town correctional facility to Cape Town International Airport, where they were handed over to FBI and US Secret Service officials before departing on a 16-hour flight.

Reuters independently reported that the suspects face US charges over alleged fraud involving more than 100 women