South Africa to extradite six Nigerians over romance scam

South Africa is to extradite six Nigerian nationals to the United States on Friday over allegations that they helped defraud more than 100 women in online romance scams, the Hawks police unit said.

The Hawks said the men are wanted by US authorities on charges including wire fraud and money laundering. The unit alleged they are members of an organised criminal network called Black Axe.

The men were arrested in South Africa in 2021 after a crackdown. The Hawks alleged they defrauded victims of more than R100 million, or $6.2 million.

Hawks spokeswoman Colonel Katlego Mogale said alleged victims included pensioners and businesspeople who were targeted through online relationships used to obtain money. Mogale said the suspects would be handed over to US officials at Cape Town International Airport on Friday.

Online romance scams involve fraudsters using fake identities on dating websites and social media to gain victims' trust before tricking them into sending money.