Six Alleged Black Axe Romance Scammers Extradited To United States
Six Nigerian nationals were extradited from Cape Town to the United States on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, to face charges in a romance-scam scheme that allegedly stole more than $6 million from U.S. women.[1]
The men were arrested in Cape Town in 2021 and are accused of defrauding more than 100 American women through online romance scams.[1] U.S. authorities say the suspects are alleged members of the Black Axe criminal network.[1]
Interpol said a recent operation targeting West African crime groups led to 58 arrests, identification of 263 suspects, $2.67 million seized and more than 250 bank accounts frozen.[1]
South African officials transferred the men into custody of the FBI and the U.S. Secret Service so they can be prosecuted on U.S. wire-fraud and money-laundering charges.[1]
Show source details & analysis (1 source)
📌 Key Facts
- On Friday, September 11, 2026, South African authorities are extraditing six Nigerian nationals from Cape Town to the U.S.
- The men, arrested in 2021, are accused of defrauding more than 100 American women of over $6 million via online romance scams.
- They are alleged members of the Black Axe criminal network and will face U.S. wire fraud and money laundering charges after transfer to FBI and Secret Service custody.
- Interpol says a recent operation against West African crime groups produced 58 arrests, 263 suspects identified, $2.67 million seized and more than 250 bank accounts frozen.
📰 Source Timeline (1)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time