CAPE TOWN – Six Nigerian nationals accused of defrauding more than 100 women in the United States of more than R100 million through online romance scams have been extradited to the US, South African authorities said on Saturday.

The six men — Perry Osagiede, Collins Owhofasa Otughwor, Osariemen Eric Clement, Musa Mudashiru, Franklyn Edosa Osagiede and Prince Ibeabuchi Mark — are alleged to be members of the Black Axe organised criminal network.

They are wanted by US authorities on charges of wire fraud and money laundering.

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, said the men allegedly targeted women through sophisticated online relationships before defrauding them of their money.

“Among the alleged victims were pensioners and businesspeople who were reportedly targeted through sophisticated online relationships used to defraud them of their money,” the Hawks said.

The six were among eight Nigerian nationals arrested in South Africa in 2021 following a major Hawks operation targeting the alleged criminal network.

The other two were Enorense Izevbiege and Toriseju Gabriel Otubu.

The Cape Town Magistrate’s Court ruled in February 2024 that the suspects could be extradited to the US. Izevbiege and Otubu did not pursue their appeals.

Izevbiege was subsequently extradited to the US, while Otubu was granted R210,000 bail subject to conditions.

The Hawks said the latest extradition was facilitated through cooperation between the DPCI and INTERPOL South Africa.

The six were taken from a correctional facility in Cape Town to Cape Town International Airport, where they were handed over to officials from the FBI and US Secret Service.

They then embarked on a 16-hour flight to the United States.

The Hawks said the operation demonstrated continued cooperation between South African law enforcement agencies and their international counterparts in tackling organised crime that crosses national borders.

“This extradition demonstrates the continued cooperation between South African law enforcement agencies and international law enforcement partners in disrupting transnational organised crime and ensuring that suspects wanted in other jurisdictions face due legal process,” the agency said.