Five Alleged Black Axe Cybercriminals Extradited Over Global Romance Scams

Five alleged members of the Nigeria-based Black Axe cybercriminal organisation are due to appear in a US court after being extradited from South Africa. Prosecutors say the men, who ran the group's Cape Town branch, operated romance scams between 2011 and 2021 that defrauded more than 100 victims of thousands of dollars each.

According to court documents, the men used fake identities on social media and dating apps to build relationships with victims before persuading them to send money. When victims refused, the group allegedly threatened to leak sensitive photos to coerce payment. Funds were laundered through South African companies and victim-controlled bank accounts, with some proceeds also traced to business email compromise scams.

The men face wire fraud and money laundering charges, each carrying a maximum 20-year sentence. The FBI has described Black Axe as a violent transnational criminal group and is asking other potential victims to come forward.