Six Nigerian nationals accused of operating an online romance scam targeting more than 100 women in the United States have been extradited from South Africa to face charges in the US.
The suspects were arrested in South Africa in 2021 following investigations into alleged financial crimes linked to online relationships.
The South African Police Service said the extradition was carried out on Friday through a joint effort involving its Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, popularly known as the Hawks, and INTERPOL South Africa.
According to the police, the suspects are allegedly connected to the Black Axe organised criminal network.
US authorities are seeking the six men over allegations involving wire fraud and money laundering.
The Hawks said the suspects were transferred to officials of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Secret Service at Cape Town International Airport.
Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said INTERPOL South Africa coordinated the transfer from a correctional facility in Cape Town to the airport before the suspects were handed over to the American authorities.
The extradition marks another stage in the international investigation into the alleged romance scam operation, which reportedly targeted more than 100 women in the US.
The case also highlights the growing cooperation between law enforcement agencies across countries in investigating online fraud and financial crimes that operate across international borders.
The suspects will now face the US judicial process over the allegations against them.
