Six Nigerian nationals arrested in South Africa are set to be extradited to the United States, where they are wanted over alleged online romance scams.
South African authorities say the suspects allegedly targeted more than 100 women in the US and defrauded them of more than R100 million.
The suspects were arrested in 2021 and are believed to be linked to Black Axe, a Nigerian organised crime network accused of involvement in internet fraud and other serious crimes.
The Hawks say some of the alleged victims were pensioners and businesspeople who were targeted through fake online relationships.
According to authorities, the suspects allegedly used social media, dating platforms and online calls to build relationships with victims while using false identities. They would then ask for money using various stories, including claims that they had been robbed, needed money for construction-related problems or required funds to pay legal fees and taxes.
The six suspects are being transferred from a correctional facility in Cape Town and will be handed over to officials from the FBI and US Secret Service.
They are expected to face charges of wire fraud and money laundering in the US.
The extradition forms part of wider international efforts to disrupt West African cybercrime networks.
