*Revealed: their identities, alleged cult network and mode of operation
By Carl Raymond
Cape Town – Six Nigerian nationals wanted by United States authorities for their alleged role in a transnational online romance fraud ring were extradited from South Africa to the US on Thursday, in a joint operation coordinated by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks, and INTERPOL South Africa.
The men — Perry Osagiede, Collins Owhofsa Otughwor, Osariemen Eric Clement, Musa Mudashiri, Franklyn Edosa Osagiede and Prince Ibeabuchi Mark — were flown out of Cape Town International Airport after being handed over to officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Secret Service. They are expected to face charges of wire fraud and money laundering in the United States.
According to the Hawks, the six are alleged members of the Black Axe organised criminal network, a group that US law enforcement has linked to cyber-enabled financial crimes targeting vulnerable individuals across multiple countries. Investigators allege that the syndicate targeted more than 100 women in the United States over several years, building sophisticated online relationships before defrauding them of more than R100 million, the equivalent of roughly $5.3 million.
Authorities say the victims included pensioners and businesspeople whov were lured into long-term digital relationships. Prosecutors allege the suspects used fake identities, doctored photographs, and carefully scripted communications to gain the trust of their targets before requesting money for fabricated emergencies, investments, and travel.
“This extradition demonstrates the continued cooperation between South African law enforcement agencies and international law enforcement partners in disrupting transnational organized crime and ensuring that suspects wanted in other jurisdictions face due legal process,” the Hawks said in a statement.
The case dates back to 2021, when the Hawks conducted a major takedown operation in South Africa that led to the arrest of eight Nigerian nationals. In addition to the six men extradited this week, the original group included Enorense Izevbiege and Toriseju Gabriel Otubu.
In February 2024, the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court ruled that the eight could be extradited to the US to face charges. Court records show that Izevbiege waived his right to appeal and was extradited to the United States earlier. Otubu, meanwhile, was granted bail set at R210,000 with strict conditions and did not proceed with the extradition process.
On September 11, 2026, INTERPOL South Africa coordinated the transfer of the remaining six suspects from a correctional facility in Cape Town to the airport. From there, they boarded a 16-hour flight to the United States, where they will be processed by federal authorities.
Online romance scams have become one of the fastest-growing forms of cyber fraud globally, and US agencies have prioritized cases involving organized networks that operate across borders. The FBI and Secret Service have warned that fraudsters often operate from multiple countries, using mules and shell accounts to move money quickly and avoid detection.
Law enforcement officials in South Africa say the Black Axe network has been under surveillance for years for its alleged involvement in fraud, human trafficking, and other serious crimes. The group is believed to recruit members in several countries and to use encrypted platforms to coordinate operations.
The successful extradition marks another milestone in South Africa’s partnership with US and international agencies on cybercrime. Both the Hawks and INTERPOL South Africa said they will continue to share intelligence and support prosecutions aimed at dismantling syndicates that target victims far beyond national borders.
Meanwhile, the six men are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a US court. No trial date has yet been announced.
